Heel pain

Heel pain is relatively common and can be caused by various foot complaints, depending on where the pain is located.

“Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, and is caused by muscle tightness, overloading of the feet or incorrect footwear,” explains physiotherapist Helen O’Leary. “In order to avoid this, it is important to wear supportive/comfortable and well cushioned footwear (making sure that footwear is a good fit). Regular calf stretching and release of the calf with a foam roller can also help, as can using a tennis ball to release the tight fascia on the base of the feet. Make sure that you warm up properly before any sporting activity.”

If you’re experiencing heel pain along the back of the heel and up the leg, it’s likely to be an achilles tendon problem, while sudden sharp shooting pain in the heel could be a heel spur.

“Lack of fat pads in the heels can cause excessive pressure and trauma along the heel and foot, leading to inflammation and pain,” says Yau. “Wearing thin-soled shoes (ballet pumps, flip flops) with no arch support or shoes that are too loose can also contribute to these problems.

“To lower your risk, always wear appropriate, supportive shoes and check your footwear before increasing your running mileage.”

3 common foot issues and how to avoid them, from ditching flip flops to an iced can of Coke