The Injury Hub

Posterior Heel Pain: Info, Symptoms & Treatment.

Our Chartered Physiotherapists across Ireland are experts in the causes, symptoms and treatment of posterior heel pain.

The Injury Hub: Posterior Heel Pain

What is posterior heel pain?

When a Physiotherapist talks about posterior heel pain, he or she is referring to pain behind the heel, not below it. Posterior Heel pain is not actually a condition but rather a symptom of a condition. There are three main possible causes of such pain: Achilles Tendinopathy, Retrocalcaneal Bursitis and Haglund’s Deformity, all of which may coexist together as a triad of conditions.

If you have pain underneath the heel, on the bottom of the foot please go to our Heel Pain section which explains the likely causes and treatment options.

Man Holding His Ankle because of an injury

How We Can Help.

Symptoms, Treatment & How We Can Help Your Recovery.

Learn about common heel pain and injury symptoms, effective treatments, and how our expert team supports your recovery journey every step of the way.

Achilles tendinopathy is a condition of degeneration of the large tendon in the back of the ankle.

  • Bursitis, there are several bursa behind the heel bone that protect this area of contact. Often these bursa can become irritated. For full details on this condition, click here

  • Haglund’s Deformity (“Pump Bump”): a bony enlargement of the upper/back portion of the heel. This enlarged bone rubs on the Achilles Tendon, just above its attachment to the heel causing inflammation and pain. For full details on this condition, click here

    Also See: Heel Spur

Diagnosis of the cause of posterior heel pain can be difficult as it is not uncommon for these diagnoses to coexist. For example, a patient with a bony spur of the calcaneus may have bursitis in that area as well. Because of this, all of these diagnoses must be considered for effective treatment of posterior heel pain.

Our onsite Physiotherapists Podiatrist can assess your condition through gait analysis. Posterior Heel pain is not actually a condition but rather a symptom of one of the aforementioned conditions so for further information please go to those sections.

Often the cause of posterior heel pain is a biomechanical problem of the foot or exacerbated by mechanical faults at the knee, hip and back.

Our Physiotherapists have a great deal of specific clinical experience in the management of posterior heel pain.

Initially, our chartered physiotherapists will carry out a thorough assessment to determine the causes or causes of your pain, helping them to select the most appropriate treatment to help you recover.

Our highly skilled Physiotherapists will provide expert treatment for your pain as well as prescribing specific exercises to treat your condition, giving you a long term solution to your problem.

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CMM Coate
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Very good attention from Igor. He was professional and friendly and took the time to answer questions. I would certainly revisit Thank you.
Alice O
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The best deep tissue massage by Marcelo! Would definitely go again.
Linda C
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A very plesant and efficient physiotherapy service.
Kevin M
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Had a very positive experience. Had severe back pain and Dylan was able to see me at short notice. He was very thorough and clear in assessing and explaining my condition and structuring a recovery exercise program that worked very succesfully. I am now fully recovered and looking forward to being as active as I was before my injury.
Sonia F
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Really happy with the two appointments I had with Dylan Connelly to treat my calf strain. His approach was both professional and personable and he ensured that I was completely comfortable during all phases of the appointments. He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Amy B
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I met with Lisa on three occasions in relation to my hamstring and she was absolutely amazing! So easy to chat to and super informative. You need to book at least a week or two in advance to get a spot with her and it's no surprise. She's absolutely fantastic! He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
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I went to Olga for 4 or 5 weeks before the marathon this year for hip pain. I was contemplating not running as my long run training had become so painful on the hip. Olga treated with dry needling and massage and over 2 sessions, I saw a big difference. I continued a weekly session to keep me loose and followed her exercise plan. I completed the marathon with no hip issues and felt like my recovery after was a lot faster than previous years.
Margaret C
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Myself and my mother attended Craig for 3 sessions - he is expert at what he does, so understanding, gentle and kind. Great personality and a really skilled physio. Would recommend him absolutly without reservation.He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Patrick M
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I had a painful trapped nerve in my neck which caused pain together with pins and needles running into my arm and hand. I attended Mohammed twice over a period of two weeks. It completely resolved after second appointment. Mohammed is an expert professional at what he does. I would highly recommend his services. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lauren T
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I can only recommend Dr. Muhammed Sohail. I’ve been to many physio consultants and he’s been the very best so far: dry needling has improved my IT band issues so much over two sessions including my knee pain. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
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