Search queries like “heel pain when stepping” or “pain inside the heel when walking”
are among the most common in Google. And it’s easy to understand why.
Heel pain quickly turns normal walking into a daily struggle.
In the morning, the first steps feel sharp and stabbing.
During the day, the pain may ease slightly, only to return again in the evening.
Over time, sleep, work, mood, and overall quality of life suffer.
In this article, we explain why heel pain develops, what conditions most often stand behind it,
when home remedies stop working, and which modern treatment options are used today —
including shockwave therapy (ESWT), widely applied in pain clinics in Israel.
Why Does the Heel Hurt When You Step on It?
In most cases, the source of heel pain is not the bone itself, but the surrounding soft tissues.
The most common cause is plantar fasciitis — a degenerative-inflammatory condition
of the plantar fascia, the strong connective tissue band that supports the arch of the foot.
Typical symptoms include:
- sharp pain during the first steps in the morning;
- a stabbing or burning sensation inside the heel;
- worsening pain after physical activity or by the end of the day;
- discomfort when walking barefoot or on hard surfaces.
A heel spur is a bony growth at the point where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel.
It is important to understand that the spur itself does not always cause pain.
In many cases, the pain is due to chronic inflammation and overload of the surrounding soft tissues.
Who Is Most Likely to Develop Heel Pain?
In clinical pain practice, heel pain is most commonly seen in:
- people who stand or walk for long hours at work;
- physically active individuals and athletes;
- patients with excess body weight;
- people over the age of 40–45;
- those who suddenly increase physical activity after a sedentary period.
Because heel pain alters walking mechanics, secondary complaints often appear over time:
knee pain, calf tightness, hip overload, or lower back pain.
That’s why searches like “who treats back pain” or “ankle joint treatment”
often appear alongside heel-related symptoms.
Why Painkillers and Creams Often Don’t Solve the Problem
The typical patient journey looks familiar:
pain-relief medications, anti-inflammatory creams, orthotic insoles, general physiotherapy.
Temporary relief may occur, but the pain often returns.
The reason is simple: chronic heel pain is usually driven by
poor microcirculation, slow tissue healing, and degenerative changes.
Suppressing pain alone is rarely enough for lasting recovery.
Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for Heel Pain
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment method
that uses focused acoustic waves applied directly to the painful area.
The procedure does not involve injections or surgery.
For plantar fasciitis and heel pain, shockwave therapy can:
- improve blood circulation in the affected tissues;
- stimulate tissue regeneration;
- reduce chronic inflammation;
- decrease pain sensitivity;
- support the breakdown of calcifications.
That is why heel spur treatment increasingly includes shockwave therapy
as an alternative to injections or surgical intervention.
How Often Can Shockwave Therapy Be Performed?
One of the most common patient questions is:
how often can shockwave therapy be done?
In most cases, ESWT sessions are performed once every 5–10 days.
This interval allows tissues to respond and begin healing.
More frequent sessions do not necessarily lead to better results,
which is why treatment protocols are always individualized.
What to Expect During Treatment at a Pain Clinic
Before starting treatment, the clinician evaluates symptoms,
examines the foot, and clarifies the nature and duration of the pain.
Each session typically lasts 10–15 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.
Patients can usually walk immediately after the procedure,
although reduced physical load is recommended for 24–48 hours.
Where Heel Pain and Shockwave Therapy Are Treated in Israel
UVT Pain Therapy Clinic is a network of pain clinics in Israel
specializing in non-surgical treatment approaches,
including shockwave therapy in Israel.
Patient consultations are available in several cities:
- Haifa (pain clinic in Haifa);
- Petah Tikva;
- Netanya;
- Hadera;
- Kfar Saba.
Detailed information about treatment options and appointments is available
on the official clinic website:
https://uvt.nikk.co.il/en/
FAQ — Common Questions About Heel Pain and ESWT
My heel hurts inside and it’s painful to step on — what should I do first?
Reduce aggravating activities, wear supportive footwear, and begin gentle stretching.
If pain persists for several weeks, a consultation at a pain clinic is recommended.
What is shockwave therapy in simple terms?
It is a treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in painful tissues
and reduce chronic inflammation.
Is shockwave therapy the same as electromagnetic or electrotherapy?
No. Shockwave therapy uses mechanical acoustic waves.
Electrotherapy and electromagnetic treatments are different modalities.
Can heel spur pain be treated without surgery?
In many cases, yes.
Modern non-invasive treatments, including shockwave therapy,
can significantly reduce pain without surgery.
Detailed information about treatment options and appointments is available
on the official clinic website:
https://uvt.nikk.co.il/en/