Heel Pain Treatment
in Calgary

Heel pain that hurts with your first steps in the morning, or after sitting, is one of the most common problems we see — and one of the most treatable.

  • Same week Appointment availability
  • Non-surgical Most heel pain resolves without surgery
  • Custom Orthotics made for your foot

10k+ Satisfied Clients

Understanding heel pain

Why your heel takes the hardest hits

Your heel absorbs the impact of every step, and the tissues around it — the plantar fascia underneath, the Achilles tendon behind, the fat pad and the nerves — can all become irritated. Pain under the heel is most often plantar fasciitis; pain at the back of the heel usually involves the Achilles tendon or a bursa.

Heel pain tends to build gradually with repetitive stress: more running, a new job on your feet, weight gain or unsupportive shoes. Left untreated it often becomes long-standing and changes the way you walk, which can lead to knee, hip or back pain.

Heel Pain Treatment in Calgary at Achilles Foot Clinic

Why it happens

4 common causes of heel pain

Heel pain usually comes from repetitive stress on the tissues around the heel bone, made worse by foot shape or footwear.

  1. Plantar Fasciitis

    Irritation of the thick band of tissue under the foot where it attaches to the heel — the classic cause of sharp morning pain.

  2. Achilles Tendon Problems

    Overuse or tight calves can inflame the tendon where it attaches to the back of the heel, causing pain and stiffness.

  3. Heel Bursitis & Spurs

    A swollen bursa or a bony spur can add pressure and pain, especially in stiff shoes or after landing awkwardly.

  4. Nerve Irritation

    A pinched nerve, as in tarsal tunnel syndrome, can cause burning, tingling or “pins and needles” in the heel.

  • 25+ Years

    Serving Calgary patients

  • 3 Podiatrists

    “Specialized foot and ankle care

Know the signs

When Heel Pain Keeps Coming Back

Classic heel pain is sharp with the first steps of the day or after sitting, eases a little as you move, then aches again after a long day. Pain at the back of the heel often comes with stiffness and swelling above the heel bone.

If you are changing the way you walk to avoid the pain, or it has lasted more than a few weeks despite rest and better shoes, it is time for an assessment.

  • Morning Heel Pain
  • Pain After Sitting
  • Swelling at the Heel
  • Burning or Tingling
  • Limping

What to Avoid

  • Walking barefoot on hard floors
  • Worn-out or completely flat shoes
  • Running through sharp heel pain
  • Relying only on painkillers

How we treat it

Three routes, depending on how long it has lasted

Your podiatrist examines the heel, checks your foot mechanics and calf flexibility and, if needed, arranges an X-ray or ultrasound to confirm the cause.

Most heel pain improves with conservative care and orthotics. Longer-standing pain may need additional treatment, which is always explained before anything is done.

  • Conservative care

    Calming the irritated tissue

    Targeted stretching, strapping, footwear changes, ice and activity changes to reduce strain on the heel.

    • First visit
    • Home exercise plan
    • No downtime
  • Advanced therapy

    For pain that has lasted months

    Options such as shockwave therapy, injections or, rarely, surgery may be discussed when heel pain has not settled with other care.

    • Assessment first
    • Options explained
    • Follow-up included

FAQs

Heel pain questions, answered

Common questions about heel pain, what causes it and how it is treated.

Why does my heel hurt most in the morning?

Overnight the plantar fascia tightens. The first steps stretch it suddenly, causing sharp pain that usually eases as you move — a classic sign of plantar fasciitis.

How long does heel pain take to heal?

Many people improve within weeks of starting treatment, but long-standing heel pain can take a few months. Treating it early shortens recovery.

Do I need an X-ray for heel pain?

Not always. Your podiatrist will recommend imaging if needed to rule out a stress fracture, spur or other cause.

Can orthotics help heel pain?

Yes. Custom orthotics support the arch and cushion the heel, which reduces strain on the tissues that cause most heel pain.

Is heel pain covered by insurance?

Alberta Health Care covers only part of podiatry services. Many extended health plans cover podiatry visits and custom orthotics.

Patient Experiences

Trusted by Patients Across Calgary

See how personalized podiatric care at Achilles Foot Clinic has helped patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and feel more confident with every step.

5/5

Real patients. Real experiences.

Based on verified patient reviews

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Went to two podiatrist prior to this clinic, so I was coming in very informed and able to identify my specific issue. This seemed to be helpful to the doctor and he was able to discuss more well rounded options. I'm really surprised by the poor reviews here. Front desk ladies seemed to be busy and straight to the point, I see no issue with that at a busy clinic. Had to pay the $100 fee upfront but this was told to me when the clinic called to confirm appointment, I was well informed on the cost

    Tropical Trowel 4 months ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Dr. Gatenby & his team are simply amazing. They have been very helpful and effective in treating my foot pain because of which I have been limping. Thank you!

    Milan Sengupta 3 months ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Dr. Mann is an exceptional doctor and he has been continuously empathetic and helpful with the treatment of my ankle. 10/10 recommend him for any of your foot related injury/treatments.
    However, whenever i try to call the clinic, there is lot of waiting, then they still don't pick up and take you straight to voicemail.

    Srishti Dugar 4 months ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Needed a short notice appointment for my mom, who has dementia. They were able to get us in the same day and Dr Rory was AMAZING. My mom’s toenails needed to be trimmed and she had a bit of an ingrown nail and he was able to take care of all of it. I was super grateful as I live out of province.

    Sam S 6 months ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I had a great experience with Dr. Gurbir Mann. He saw me last minute for a fracture in my foot and I felt at ease the whole time during my appointment, he was friendly, calm and explained everything thoroughly to me. I am very grateful for how well I have been taken care of

    Emma Park 2 months ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Dr. Mann is the best! Always answers all my questions and has plenty of solutions for me to keep moving. Always very thorough, explaining every procedure and very gentle. Just the best! Thank you!

    Danette Charteris 3 months ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Excellent service at the front desk.
    Convenient ways to make appointments.
    The Podiatrist is friendly, welcoming and treated our minor child with patience and respect.
    Wheelchair accessible location with above and underground parking options.
    Definitely would go back if needed.

    Kirkland Family a year ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Dr Mann was awesome! Very friendly and got me in and out in no time. Making an appointment was very easy got one just a few days after calling thank you for the amazing service Achilles!

    Tommy Salimaki a year ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I went there because i had an ingrown toe nail and it was getting really bad and was hurting me a lot. I did not have to wait long and was able to book an appointment through call for the following day.The staff there took really good care of me and especially Dr Rory who performed the surgery for me. Throughout the surgery he reassured me that it was going to be painless and was fast which helped me to calm myself down. It indeed was quick and painless. I highly recommend going to this clinic as the staff there are really nice and things get done really quickly. I will be going back there again if I have anymore injuries/problems in the future!

    Sujan Sunuwar 2 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I never thought I would be bringing a teen to a foot clinic but after 18 months of hell with my son's feet we were off to Achilles foot clinic this week. I was absolutely blown away by the customer service. My son was nervous and the doctor took immense care to calm him down. They took breaks. Easily put in the freezing with no pain. This was night and day to any other medical experience we have had. Highly recommend this clinic for being on time, affordable, clean, filled with loving smiling faces and ready to cater to all sorts of needs. 100% recommend. Will not go anywhere else in the future but Achilles' Foot Clinic.

    Sarah Pittard 2 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I saw Dr. Gatenby today after stepping on a piece of glass. I don't know how this clinic could receive anything less than 5 stars. Everyone is so friendly and efficient. From the reception, to the nursing staff and especially Dr. Gatenby. The clinic is clean, well run and he was able to remove a piece of glass from my foot with no complications. Thank you!

    Megan Hudak 2 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    My son had an appointment with Dr.Gatenby and can’t say enough good things about the clinic. They were able to get us in quickly and Dr.Gatenby was one of the nicest doctors we have seen in the city. He solved my son’s issue quickly and explained the procedure to him as he worked. Would definitely recommend this clinic to anyone with foot issues.

    Kathryn Ludlow 2 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    The entire process was easy, pleasant and efficient. Booking was easy, and I visited Dr Gatenby. His manner is professional and personal. It was obvious he enjoys his profession and serving people!

    Bruce Renton 2 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I called and was able to make an appointment very quickly to be seen by Dr. Gatenby about an infection in my cuticles. The doctor was incredibly nice and helpful, and even when he had to do a procedure on my toes and my anxiety was going crazy, he reassured me and helped me calm down and feel much better. The ladies at the office are also all incredibly nice. I couldn’t recommend this clinic enough, seriously great staff and great doctors!

    Maria Gomez 3 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I wish I hadn’t waited so long to see Dr Rory about my ingrown toenails .
    He is the most kind caring and gentle of doctors. I have been putting up with pain and discomfort for way too long because I was nervous about having surgery to fix the problem. Dr Rory Gatenby put my fears at ease straight away and he and his team took care of me from start to finish. If I know of anyone looking for a great foot clinic team to take care of them I will highly recommend they go to see Dr Rory Gatenby. He is the best and my surgery was nothing to be worried. I can’t say enough about my whole experience

    Jacky Mcnally 3 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    So far. So great! A+ I've been to another foot clinic in the nw, this location explained my situation fully addressed my issue and set me up with a plan moving forward. I saw Dr.Purych regarding some foot pain, heel pain and corns. Solved. Thanks a bunch!

    Chad Olmstead 3 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Definitely 5 stars for this place! First off, I had called to get an appointment and the receptionist was amazing. She had empathy for my concerns and was able to get me in the next day. We met with Dr Mann, amazing again. His bedside manner was impeccable, he was very informative and understood my concerns and eased my mind very quickly. And lastly the reception staff again were great again to deal with in person with their friendly attitudes and fast responses. I definitely enjoyed my experience at this clinic and the friendly, informative service was great to see!

    Danielle Shupenia 4 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I will never not reccomend Archilles foot clinic. I had an incredible experience here a few years ago with Dr Mann. I waited years to deal with my ingrown toenails after watching my brother's horrible recovery at another place, but Dr. Mann was absolutely wonderful, and I regret waiting so long. My ingrowns have never come back thanks to Archilles. I send all of my friends here when they have ingrown toenails because of how much I appreciated my experience here.

    Kayla Volk 4 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I was very impressed with Dr. Mann. He takes the time to actually explain what's going on with your feet. Very personable and professional. Finally I found someone to help me about my bunion. Highly recommend.

    Gloida Martinez 4 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I had to shop around before I found Achilles .... because of the painful, expensive and lengthy treatment plans I was being offered by other clinics. At Achilles, I can truly report that the problem was painlessly resolved in only a few visits ... at fraction of the cost (and pain!). I received excellent treatment from Dr. Purych ... who successfully treated my long standing, stubborn plantar wart problem. I have no hesitation in providing this clinic a "five stars plus" review ... for their professionalism and focus on their patients.

    Patrick Reilly 6 years ago

Serving Calgary & Nearby Communities

Expert Foot Care Close to Home

Achilles Foot Clinic welcomes patients from Calgary and surrounding communities with personalized care for foot and ankle pain, injuries, and ongoing conditions.

Our Service Area

  • Calgary
  • Airdrie
  • Okotoks
  • Cochrane

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