No, heel pain is almost never a sign of cancer. Most heel pain comes from everyday problems like plantar fasciitis, wearing the wrong shoes, or standing too long. But in very rare cases—less than 1% of the time—heel pain can be the first sign that cancer has spread to your heel bone.
This guide will help you understand when heel pain is normal and when it needs a closer look. You’ll learn what causes most heel pain, how to spot warning signs, and what to do if your heel pain won’t go away.
What Causes Most Heel Pain?
About 10% of people will deal with heel pain at some point in their lives. The good news? Almost all of these cases have nothing to do with cancer.
Plantar Fasciitis
This is the number one reason heels hurt. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. When it gets inflamed or damaged, you feel pain.
Signs of plantar fasciitis:
- Sharp pain in your heel when you first wake up
- Pain that gets worse after standing or walking
- Tenderness on the bottom of your heel
- Pain that eases up after moving around
About 2 million Americans get treatment for plantar fasciitis each year. It’s especially common in people between 40 and 60 years old.
Heel Spurs
These are calcium deposits that form on the heel bone. About half of people with plantar fasciitis also have heel spurs. The spurs themselves don’t always hurt, but they can make walking uncomfortable.
Achilles Tendonitis
This affects the thick tendon at the back of your heel. It usually hurts when you walk, run, or climb stairs. People who suddenly increase their activity often get this.
Stress Fractures
These are tiny cracks in the heel bone from too much pressure. Athletes and people who stand all day are at higher risk. The pain gets worse with activity and better with rest.
Other Common Causes
Your heel might also hurt from:
- Wearing shoes with poor support
- Being overweight
- Standing on hard surfaces all day
- Flat feet or high arches
- Tight calf muscles
At Yorktown Health in Lisle, we see many patients with heel pain. Most of the time, simple treatments like rest, stretching, and better shoes solve the problem.
Can Cancer Really Cause Heel Pain?
Yes, but it’s extremely rare. Here’s what you need to know.
How Often Does Cancer Cause Heel Pain?
Only 0.007% to 0.3% of all bone cancers affect the hands or feet. That’s less than 3 in every 1,000 cases. The heel bone is one of the least common places for cancer to show up.
Types of Cancer That Can Affect the Heel
Bone Cancer
Primary bone cancer that starts in the heel is very rare. The most common types are:
- Osteosarcoma: A cancer of bone cells
- Ewing sarcoma: Most common in children and young adults
- Chondrosarcoma: A cancer of cartilage cells
These account for less than 1% of all cancers.
Metastatic Cancer
This is when cancer from another part of your body spreads to your heel bone. The most common cancers that spread to bones are:
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
About 30% of all cancer patients develop bone metastases. But less than 1% of these affect the feet or hands.
Soft Tissue Cancers
Sarcomas can develop in the soft tissues around your heel. These are also very rare.
Real-Life Cases
Medical journals have reported a few cases where heel pain was the first sign of cancer:
- A 58-year-old woman had heel pain for six months. Doctors first thought it was plantar fasciitis. Later, X-rays showed lung cancer had spread to her heel.
- A 63-year-old man was treated for plantar fasciitis, then gout. Eventually, doctors found lung cancer.
These cases are extremely unusual. But they show why doctors sometimes need to dig deeper when heel pain doesn’t get better.
Warning Signs: When Heel Pain Might Be Serious
Most heel pain gets better with time and simple care. But certain signs mean you should see a doctor right away.
Red Flags to Watch For
Call your doctor if you have:
- Pain that gets worse over time instead of better
- Pain that doesn’t improve after two weeks of rest
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Pain that hurts even when you’re not standing
- Swelling or a lump on your heel
- Changes in the shape of your heel
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness that won’t go away
- Fever along with your heel pain
- A history of cancer
How Cancer-Related Heel Pain Feels Different
Pain from cancer usually:
- Feels like a deep, dull ache
- Doesn’t get better with rest
- Gets worse at night
- Keeps getting stronger over time
- Comes with other symptoms like weight loss or fatigue
Pain from plantar fasciitis or other common causes:
- Hurts most in the morning or after rest
- Gets better after walking around
- Improves with stretching and ice
- Responds to over-the-counter pain medicine
What to Expect at Your Doctor Visit
If your heel pain won’t go away, your doctor will want to figure out what’s causing it. Here’s what usually happens.
The Physical Exam
Your doctor will:
- Ask when the pain started and what makes it better or worse
- Press on different parts of your heel
- Check for swelling or lumps
- Watch how you walk
- Test your range of motion
Tests Your Doctor Might Order
X-rays
These are usually the first test. X-rays can show:
- Heel spurs
- Stress fractures
- Unusual spots on the bone
- Changes in bone density
Ultrasound or MRI
If X-rays don’t explain your pain, these tests give a closer look at soft tissues and bones.
CT Scan
This creates detailed 3D images of your heel bone. Doctors use it when they need more information than X-rays provide.
Bone Scan
This test can show if cancer has spread to multiple bones in your body.
Blood Tests
These check for signs of inflammation or other markers that might suggest cancer.
Biopsy
If imaging shows something unusual, your doctor may take a small tissue sample. A lab will check it for cancer cells. This is the only way to know for sure if cancer is present.
At Yorktown Health, we coordinate all testing and make sure you understand every step of the process.
Treatment Options for Heel Pain
Treatment depends on what’s causing your pain.
For Common Heel Problems
Most heel pain gets better with:
- Rest and ice
- Stretching exercises
- Better shoes or orthotics
- Over-the-counter pain medicine
- Physical therapy
- Heel pads or inserts
About 90% of plantar fasciitis cases improve within 6 to 12 months with these simple treatments.
For Cancer-Related Heel Pain
If cancer is causing your pain, treatment might include:
- Surgery to remove the tumor
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells
- Radiation therapy to shrink tumors
- Pain management medicines
- Physical therapy to help you move better
- Bone-strengthening drugs
Your care team will work together to create the best plan for you. This usually includes your primary care doctor, an oncologist (cancer specialist), and other specialists.
How to Lower Your Risk of Heel Pain
You can’t always prevent heel pain, but these tips help:
Wear the Right Shoes
- Choose shoes with good arch support
- Replace worn-out shoes regularly
- Avoid high heels for long periods
- Don’t go barefoot on hard surfaces
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Extra weight puts more pressure on your heels. Even losing 10 pounds can make a big difference.
Stretch Daily
Spend a few minutes each morning stretching your calves and feet. This keeps your plantar fascia flexible.
Increase Activity Slowly
If you’re starting a new exercise routine, don’t do too much too fast. Give your body time to adjust.
Listen to Your Body
If something hurts, don’t push through it. Rest when you need to.
We offer personalized guidance on healthy weight management through our GLP-1 medicated weight loss program in Lisle.
Understanding Your Risk
Who Gets Heel Pain Most Often?
Heel pain is more common in:
- People between 40 and 60 years old
- Women (they get it 2.5 times more than men)
- Athletes and runners
- People who stand all day at work
- People who are overweight
Who’s at Higher Risk for Cancer-Related Heel Pain?
This is much less common, but risk goes up if you:
- Have a history of cancer
- Had cancer that spread to other bones
- Have a family history of bone cancer
- Have unexplained symptoms along with heel pain
Remember, even with these risk factors, the chance of heel pain being cancer is still very low.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does normal heel pain last?
Most heel pain gets better in 3 to 6 months with rest and simple treatments. If yours lasts longer, see a doctor.
Should I see a specialist right away?
Start with your primary care doctor. They can evaluate your pain and refer you to a specialist if needed. At Yorktown Health, we handle most heel pain cases and coordinate specialist care when necessary.
Can children get cancer-related heel pain?
It’s extremely rare, but Ewing sarcoma can occur in children and young adults. Any persistent pain in a child should be checked by a doctor.
Is night pain always a sign of cancer?
No. Many conditions cause night pain. But pain that only happens at night or gets worse at night should be evaluated by a doctor.
Can stress cause heel pain?
Stress itself doesn’t directly cause heel pain. But stress can lead to muscle tension, which might contribute to foot problems.
Will heel pain go away on its own?
Many cases do improve with rest. But if pain lasts more than two weeks or gets worse, see a doctor.
When to Schedule an Appointment
You should see your doctor for heel pain if:
- Pain lasts longer than two weeks
- Pain is severe or getting worse
- You can’t walk normally
- You have swelling or a lump
- You notice any of the red flag symptoms listed earlier
- Over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping
Don’t wait if you’re worried. Getting checked gives you peace of mind and gets you the right treatment faster.
At Yorktown Health, we offer quick appointments and take time to listen to your concerns. Your annual physical in Lisle is also a great time to discuss any ongoing pain or health concerns.
Final Thoughts
Heel pain is rarely a sign of cancer. The vast majority of cases come from everyday problems like plantar fasciitis, wearing the wrong shoes, or standing too long.
That said, persistent heel pain that doesn’t improve or gets worse over time deserves attention. If your pain comes with other worrying symptoms like weight loss, night pain, or swelling, see your doctor promptly.
Early diagnosis makes a big difference. Whether your heel pain is from a common condition or something more serious, the right treatment can help you feel better and get back to your normal activities.
At Yorktown Health in Lisle, we’re here to listen, answer your questions, and provide personalized care for all your health needs. If heel pain is affecting your life, let’s figure out what’s going on together.
Don’t ignore pain that won’t go away. Schedule an appointment today, and let’s get you back on your feet—pain-free.