Heel Pain After Running [Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatment]
Heel pain after running has three common causes: #1 is overpronation and bottom of the heel pain, #2 is Achilles Tendonitis and #3 is flat foot pain!
![Heel pain after running 1 plantar fasciitis heel spur stress fracture](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2013/10/heel-pain-causes-plantar-fasciitis-1-410x1024.jpg)
Table of Contents
Heel Pain Causes: Picture & Photo Gallery
Look:
- One of the top causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This is damage to a ligament that holds your heel to your toes.
- Another root cause of heel pain has flat feet.
- There are also photos of heel spurs that can occur to the bottom of your heel (plantar fascia insertion) and the back of your heel (Achilles tendon insertion).
- Baxter’s nerve entrapment can also happen at the bottom of the heel.
- An underlying cause is an overpronated flatfoot or an over a supinated high arched foot.
- A plantar fibroma is a thick nodule that can occur within your plantar fascia ligament and contribute to plantar fasciitis.
- This can lead to the formation of a heel stress fracture( AKA calcaneus stress fracture.)
Please click on the gallery for a guided tour through heel pain conditions!
The most common causes for Heel pain after running:
![Heel pain after running 3 Best Podiatrist Recommended Shoes](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2019/07/best-shoes-1-300x169.jpg)
If you experience heel pain after running you may have a stress fracture to your calcaneal bone (heel bone). Another very common cause for heel pain is a heel spur. This is a growth on the heel bone that causes irritation to the surrounding tissue and may cause plantar fasciitis.
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel spur
- stress fracture
- Poor arch support
- flat feet
- High arches
![Heel pain after running 4 best insoles and orthotics for overpronation](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2020/04/orthotic-overpronation-300x169.jpg)
Plantar fasciitis:
- Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fasciitis.
- The plantar fasciitis is a tissue that runs from your heel bone to your toes. If this tissue is over stressed and becomes inflamed your will experience sharp pain.
- The plantar fasica absorbs the pressure to your foot well walking or running and acts as support for your arch.
- Because of this proper foot wear and arch support will help with both help to preventing plantar fasciitis and alleviate symptoms.
- Being over weight can cause a lot more pressure to your plantar fascia as you walk.
![Heel pain after running 5 Best sandals for overpronation and flat feet](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2020/04/best-sandals-for-overpronation-and-flat-feet-300x275.jpg)
Plantar fasciitis symptoms
The first few steps of the day are common to experience pain. The pain usually goes away through out the day but is most likely to return. Experiencing pain with plantar fasciitis can be set off for multiple reasons such as if standing for extended periods of time, getting up after sitting for to long and After exercise not during.
- Pain with the first steps of the the day
- Heel pain after running
- Calve tightness
- Experiencing pain after exercise
- pain upon standing
- foot pain standing for extended periods of time
![Heel pain after running 6 Plantar fasciitis due to overpronation](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2020/04/plantar-fasciitis-due-to-overpronation-300x168.jpg)
Foot Pain Due To Running:
If you experience any foot pain it is best to seek out your physician to take the appropriate steps to make a recovery as fast as possible.
Click on the links to find out what is causing this pain!
If your big toe is bent and you are having pain in your big toe.
If your big toe is straight, if you have difficulty bending it due to a big lump and you are still having pain to this site.
If the central three toes in your foot are still hurting.
Click this link if you think you jammed your big toe and it is causing you to walk on the side of your foot.
Click on this link if you think the entire front of your foot is aching.
If it is mostly underneath your second toe that is hurting.
If the majority of your pain is coming from the fifth toe.
If the pain is in the front, but mostly on the outside of your foot.
If it is in the middle of the foot but mostly on top.
If you think arthritis is what is causing this pain.
If you get cramps or spasms during the day.
If you have a very long second toe that is causing you pain.
Heel Pain After Reading Treatment:
- There are usually two phases to bottom of the foot pain treatment.
- The two phases of treatment include controlling the acute inflammation, and correcting the biomechanics which led to the problem in the first place.
- If the tendons and ligaments are inflammed, they are almost frozen in place and cannot function properly.
- Once the inflammation is decreased, we need to correct the biomechanical causes to ensure that they can never become over worked and inflammed again!
- This doesn’t matter whether it’s plantar fasciitis, plantar fibroma, sore bottom of foot, or even Achilles tendon pain. Treatment is all roughly very similar.
Heel Pain Inflammation Control:
Massage & Ice Products:
- Ice is the an excellent option that can be safe for almost everyone.
- There is some debate whether icing is worth doing, but for chronic pain this can help limit the need for medications and keep your options open.
- This works great for your arch, less for the ball of the foot.
- The more muscle and ligament tissue there is, the better ice will work there.
![Heel pain after running 7 Recoup Fitness Cryosphere Cold Massage Roller - 6 Hours Cold Relief - Ice Cup - Myofascial Release- Great for Recovery - Free Rolling Removable Ball - Deep Tissue Massage - Pain Relief - Ice Pack](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41U7SX7hboL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 8 TheraFlow Compact Foot Roller for Plantar Fasciitis Relief - Portable and Small Foot Massager for Neuropathy | Targets Foot Pain with Reflexology | Travel Size Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AOHvytR2L._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 9 THERABAND Foot Roller for Foot Pain Relief, Massage Ball Roller for Arch Pain, Plantar Fasciitis Treatment, Heel Spurs Reliever, Tired Feet, Best Foot Massager with Ridges for Self Myofascial Release](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41eP1NdjT+L._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 7 Recoup Fitness Cryosphere Cold Massage Roller - 6 Hours Cold Relief - Ice Cup - Myofascial Release- Great for Recovery - Free Rolling Removable Ball - Deep Tissue Massage - Pain Relief - Ice Pack](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41U7SX7hboL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 8 TheraFlow Compact Foot Roller for Plantar Fasciitis Relief - Portable and Small Foot Massager for Neuropathy | Targets Foot Pain with Reflexology | Travel Size Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AOHvytR2L._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 9 THERABAND Foot Roller for Foot Pain Relief, Massage Ball Roller for Arch Pain, Plantar Fasciitis Treatment, Heel Spurs Reliever, Tired Feet, Best Foot Massager with Ridges for Self Myofascial Release](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41eP1NdjT+L._SL160_.jpg)
Menthol Based Gels:
- Biofreeze is one of our favorites.
- These gels have been studied to work 2x as long as ice.
- This works great for the ball of the foot.
- This can be very effective for bottom of the heel and Achilles tendon sore regions.
![Heel pain after running 13 Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel, Arthritis Pain Reliver, Knee & Lower Back Pain Relief, Sore Muscle Relief, Neck Pain Relief, Pharmacist Recommended, FSA Eligible, 3 Pack (4 FL OZ Biofreeze Menthol Gel)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41xRZdvvg3L._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 14 Biofreeze Pain Relief Roll-On, 3 oz. Roll-On, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, & Powerful Topical Pain Reliever, Pack of 3 (Packaging May Vary)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41g5-ig3J8L._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 15 Biofreeze Menthol Pain Relieving Gel 1 Gallon Bottle With Pump Topical Pain Relief For Sore Muscles, Arthritis, Backache, And Joint Pain, Original Green Formula, (Packaging May Vary)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31kY1eoOd6L._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 16 HEMPACTIV Joint & Muscle Relief Cream, Infused with Hemp, Menthol, MSM & Arnica, Soothe Discomfort in Your Back, Muscles, Joints, Neck, Shoulder, Knee, Nerves - 2 Fl Oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HX8regcfL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 13 Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel, Arthritis Pain Reliver, Knee & Lower Back Pain Relief, Sore Muscle Relief, Neck Pain Relief, Pharmacist Recommended, FSA Eligible, 3 Pack (4 FL OZ Biofreeze Menthol Gel)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41xRZdvvg3L._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 14 Biofreeze Pain Relief Roll-On, 3 oz. Roll-On, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, & Powerful Topical Pain Reliever, Pack of 3 (Packaging May Vary)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41g5-ig3J8L._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 15 Biofreeze Menthol Pain Relieving Gel 1 Gallon Bottle With Pump Topical Pain Relief For Sore Muscles, Arthritis, Backache, And Joint Pain, Original Green Formula, (Packaging May Vary)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31kY1eoOd6L._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 16 HEMPACTIV Joint & Muscle Relief Cream, Infused with Hemp, Menthol, MSM & Arnica, Soothe Discomfort in Your Back, Muscles, Joints, Neck, Shoulder, Knee, Nerves - 2 Fl Oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HX8regcfL._SL160_.jpg)
Massage Sticks:
- These can work great for loosening your muscles.
- This allows less tightness and pressure on the ball of your foot.
- This is very effective for the arch, the gastrocnemius or calf muscle and for the hamstring and thigh muscles.
- This also works very well for the gluteus muscles if you are having butt cheek or hip pain.
![Heel pain after running 21 Tiger Tail 18in Massage Stick Portable Roller, Handheld, Deep Tissue Foam Roller, Body Massage and Myofascial Release Tool for Legs, Neck, Calves, Thighs, Shins & Back, The Original 18, Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41yZi+w3fsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 22 Top Rated Muscle Roller Massage Stick: A Sports Body Massager Tool-Release Myofascial Trigger Points, Reduce Muscle Soreness, Tightness and Leg Cramps, Rub Muscle for Relief and Recovery](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31qRFvHvdhS._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 23 TISSCARE Shiatsu Calf Foot Massager Machine with Heat Leg Massager, Deep-Kneading for Tired Calf Leg Arm Plantar Fasciitis Neuropathy, Tired Muscles w/Adjustable bar (Dark Grey)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+0Rp7uefL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 21 Tiger Tail 18in Massage Stick Portable Roller, Handheld, Deep Tissue Foam Roller, Body Massage and Myofascial Release Tool for Legs, Neck, Calves, Thighs, Shins & Back, The Original 18, Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41yZi+w3fsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 22 Top Rated Muscle Roller Massage Stick: A Sports Body Massager Tool-Release Myofascial Trigger Points, Reduce Muscle Soreness, Tightness and Leg Cramps, Rub Muscle for Relief and Recovery](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31qRFvHvdhS._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 23 TISSCARE Shiatsu Calf Foot Massager Machine with Heat Leg Massager, Deep-Kneading for Tired Calf Leg Arm Plantar Fasciitis Neuropathy, Tired Muscles w/Adjustable bar (Dark Grey)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+0Rp7uefL._SL160_.jpg)
Removing The Stress:
- The key is to prevent future pain.
- If you can get rid of the pain and swelling, this will let you start walking normally.
- If you can walk normally, the vast majority of your pain should gradually start to go away.
- The best way to ensure that your plantar fascia, foot and ankle ligaments are not overworked is to support them.
- The best way to support them is to use great orthotics and great shoes.
- Some people may also need to rely on supportive ankle braces and other supportive modalities.
Best Heel PainShoes:
- Getting a great supportive pair of shoes will make sure that there is pressure removed from the heel and plantar fascia region.
- This is especially important if you have plantar fasciitis, heel spur pain or Achilles tendonitis.
- Consider shoes combined with a good supportive orthotic for best pain relief!
- The following link will show you what our favorites are.
Best Heel Pain Orthotics:
- These are our recommended orthotics.
- There are different types for different shoes.
- Women’s shoes usually need a less bulky orthotic, but allow for less correction.
- A full length orthotic requires a running shoe, boot or comfortable walking/dress shoe.
- We recommend doing everything you can to get a good supportive shoe that can fit a full length orthotic.
- This is the best way to maximize your orthotics for great results.
Best Full Length Orthotics:
- These will only work in wider shoes or a good supportive running shoe.
- This will not work in sandals, flats or most women’s dress shoes.
![Heel pain after running 28 PowerStep Original Insoles - Arch Pain Relief Orthotics for Tight Shoes - Foot Support for Plantar Fasciitis, Mild Pronation and Foot & Arch Pain - Shoe Inserts for All (M 8-8.5, F 10-10.5)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZmwrxNGBL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 29 PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Orthotic Insoles - Orthotics for Overpronation with Maximum Stability & Comfort - Firm + Flexible Angled Heel Style to Help Flat Feet - Heavy Duty Inserts (M 10-10.5, F 12)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dUhD7LhsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 30 220+ lbs Plantar Fasciitis Strong Arch Support Insoles Inserts Men Women - Flat Feet Orthotic Insoles High Arch for Arch Pain - Work Boot Shoe Insole - Heavy Duty Support](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ly6r7aiGL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 31 Superfeet All-Purpose Women's High Impact Support Insoles (Berry) - Trim-To-Fit Orthotic Arch Support Inserts for Women's Running Shoes - Professional Grade - Size 8.5-10 Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PMSKa8xrL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 28 PowerStep Original Insoles - Arch Pain Relief Orthotics for Tight Shoes - Foot Support for Plantar Fasciitis, Mild Pronation and Foot & Arch Pain - Shoe Inserts for All (M 8-8.5, F 10-10.5)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZmwrxNGBL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 29 PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Orthotic Insoles - Orthotics for Overpronation with Maximum Stability & Comfort - Firm + Flexible Angled Heel Style to Help Flat Feet - Heavy Duty Inserts (M 10-10.5, F 12)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dUhD7LhsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 30 220+ lbs Plantar Fasciitis Strong Arch Support Insoles Inserts Men Women - Flat Feet Orthotic Insoles High Arch for Arch Pain - Work Boot Shoe Insole - Heavy Duty Support](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ly6r7aiGL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 31 Superfeet All-Purpose Women's High Impact Support Insoles (Berry) - Trim-To-Fit Orthotic Arch Support Inserts for Women's Running Shoes - Professional Grade - Size 8.5-10 Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PMSKa8xrL._SL160_.jpg)
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
- These are a great choice for dress orthotics.
![Heel pain after running 36 Powerstep Signature Dress 3/4-Length Insoles – Dress Shoe Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31gNhdC7BVL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 37 Powerstep Signature Dress Full-Length Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31RzbYbrdFL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 38 Superfeet Casual Men's Easyfit Insoles - Comfort Shoe Inserts for Men - Anti-Fatigue Orthotic Insoles for Dress Shoes - Professional Grade - Size 7.5-9 Men](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31GciX4ytrL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 36 Powerstep Signature Dress 3/4-Length Insoles – Dress Shoe Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31gNhdC7BVL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 37 Powerstep Signature Dress Full-Length Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31RzbYbrdFL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 38 Superfeet Casual Men's Easyfit Insoles - Comfort Shoe Inserts for Men - Anti-Fatigue Orthotic Insoles for Dress Shoes - Professional Grade - Size 7.5-9 Men](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31GciX4ytrL._SL160_.jpg)
Best 3/4 Length Orthotics:
- These are great options for women’s dress shoes and thinner shoes.
- These are not the most supportive pair of orthotics.
![Heel pain after running 42 Powerstep SlenderFit Fashion Orthotic-W](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/319Md+W9SHL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 42 Powerstep SlenderFit Fashion Orthotic-W](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/319Md+W9SHL._SL160_.jpg)
Get A Great Dynamic Stretch:
- It is possible to stretch on your own, but these products can also really help!
- This will take pressure off of the ball of your foot.
- We personally prefer this method of stretching.
![Heel pain after running 44 Rolling With It Premium Calf Stretcher and Foot Rocker for Plantar Fasciitis Relief, Achilles Tendonitis, Increase Mobility and Flexibility, Improve Range of Motion With our Foot Stretcher](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51XsFahL0kL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 45 North American Healthcare Foot Rocker Blue -Optimal Foot Position for Flexibility, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and other Chronic Conditions](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41I4zWIHxgL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 46 Professional Wooden Slant Board, Adjustable Incline Calf Stretch Slantboard with Full Non-Slip Surface, 16 inches x 12.5 inches, 5 Positions (350 LB Capacity) (Edition 1)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dUKl8uzxL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 47 IdealStretch - The Original Hamstring, Lower Back & Calf Stretching Device - Ultimate Pain Relief & Deep Knee Extension Tool - Ideal Stretch Hamstring Stretcher Machine for Enhanced Flexibility](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41oCB322s-L._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 44 Rolling With It Premium Calf Stretcher and Foot Rocker for Plantar Fasciitis Relief, Achilles Tendonitis, Increase Mobility and Flexibility, Improve Range of Motion With our Foot Stretcher](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51XsFahL0kL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 45 North American Healthcare Foot Rocker Blue -Optimal Foot Position for Flexibility, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and other Chronic Conditions](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41I4zWIHxgL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 46 Professional Wooden Slant Board, Adjustable Incline Calf Stretch Slantboard with Full Non-Slip Surface, 16 inches x 12.5 inches, 5 Positions (350 LB Capacity) (Edition 1)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dUKl8uzxL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 47 IdealStretch - The Original Hamstring, Lower Back & Calf Stretching Device - Ultimate Pain Relief & Deep Knee Extension Tool - Ideal Stretch Hamstring Stretcher Machine for Enhanced Flexibility](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41oCB322s-L._SL160_.jpg)
Get A Great Static Stretch:
- These devices are great for stretching while you are resting.
- This will also help take pressure off of the ball of your foot.
- This works great for plantar fasciitis.
- It can be used while watching TV or at night time.
![Heel pain after running 52 Vive Hard Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint and Trigger Point Spike - Stabilizer Brace Relieves Inflammation - Foot Support Boot Features Adjustable Hook and Loop Straps for Achilles Pain Relief](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Bdib2P5hL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 53 Procare ProWedge Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint - Medium](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41tYovQSfVL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 54 Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Foot Drop Orthotic Supports Kit Adjustable Dorsal Night Splint Support Sleep, Recovery, Tendonitis, Arthritis with Hard Spiky Massage Ball (Black)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-tnaZzAmL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 52 Vive Hard Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint and Trigger Point Spike - Stabilizer Brace Relieves Inflammation - Foot Support Boot Features Adjustable Hook and Loop Straps for Achilles Pain Relief](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Bdib2P5hL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 53 Procare ProWedge Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint - Medium](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41tYovQSfVL._SL160_.jpg)
![Heel pain after running 54 Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Foot Drop Orthotic Supports Kit Adjustable Dorsal Night Splint Support Sleep, Recovery, Tendonitis, Arthritis with Hard Spiky Massage Ball (Black)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-tnaZzAmL._SL160_.jpg)