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The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

Heel pain but only when standing not when walking

by Joey
(Boerne, Tx)

I have pain in my left foot only and have had this problem for about 10 years. My heel hurts only when I stand and not when I walk. I have a very high arch and wear custom orthotics. I have worn a night splint, done stretching exercises, massage therapy and cortisone shots and still no relief. The only relief is to sit down. I am in good physical condition and exercise regularly. I have had x-rays and an MRI but nothing was discovered. Could I possibly have tarsal tunnel syndrome instead of plantar fascitis? Any help would be appreciated I am about to go crazy!


ANSWER

Hi Joey,

I think it is important to note that not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. People with high arched (cavus) foot types tend to put a lot of pressure directly on the heel, so there is a fair chance that your pain is an inherent problem directly in the heel bone.
Although I cannot rule out plantar fasciitis as the source of your heel pain, three possible causes do come to mind.
1. Have you been diagnosed with a heel spur. Even though a heel spur is nothing more than the calcification of the plantar fascial ligament where it attaches into the heel bone, if there is a spur that is large enough, this protrusion of bone might be enough to cause pain primarily when standing as
the spur would be pressing directly into the ground.
2. The possibility of a bone bruise of the heel bone. As I mention in my section on heel pain if there is not enough fat under the heel bone to cushion it, then the heel bone itself may become painful and this would tend to happen the more you stand and the less you walk.
3. A bursitis. This one would be a little less remote but an inflamed bursal sac on the bottom of the heel might tend to hurt more when standing compared to walking.
Those are some of the things that come to mind. Of course it might just be plantar fasciitis and the type of orthotic that you are wearing may not be the right kind. Is the heel of the orthotic cushioned? Does the orthotic actually support your arch when you stand, thus taking pressure off the heel bone?
If you answered no to either one of those questions then your orthotic may not be helping you.
I would say this. If you presented to my office with your history, I would consider performing an MRI on your foot to rule out the more esoteric conditions that might be causing heel pain. Although tarsal tunnel can certainly be the cause of some heel pain, I am not so sure in your case.
Your best bet? Get a second opinion.

Marc Mitnick DPM
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ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

MedlinePlus

Arthritis Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center

Harvard Health

Drugs.com

American Academy of Pediatrics

Penn State Medical Center

National Institutes of Health

Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

Institute for Chronic Pain

University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

Cedars-Sinai

University of Maryland Medical Center
If you happen to live in the New York - New Jersey area and would like to visit our office

Dr. Marc Mitnick

151 Summit Ave.
Summit, NJ 07901
908-522-0761


To make an appointment online or for directions to our office click Dr. Marc Mitnick.

DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this site is purely informational in nature. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. This information is not a substitute for advice from a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The information presented here may be subject to errors and omissions.


SITE LAST UPDATED: MAY 2026




MY PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
(items I prescribe in the office)


Orthotics for multiple types of foot pain
best buy in a pre-made orthotic
click link below


SuperStepOrthotics

Orthotics for heel and arch pain for those who must wear dress shoes
click link below


redithotics

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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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UK

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Mansfield Ctr, CT

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Placentia, California

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Unknown

Unknown location

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Unknown location

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Anonymous



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New Zealand

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Sincerely

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Arizona
I searched the internet everywhere for a clear description and illustration of my symptoms/problem. https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/ was where I ended my search with answers. If I lived in Jersey (left 30 years ago) and didn't live in Florida I would definetly make an appointment with Dr. Mitnick.

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Poland
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South Carolina
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Arlington, VA


Thank you so very much, that would be much appreciated. I love those insoles, by the way. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

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San Clemente, CA


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Pam

location unknown


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location unknown


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Bre

location unknown


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anonymous



Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

anonymous



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Poland



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Seattle, WA


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location unknown



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New Jersey



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Debbie

location unknown



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Evansville, IA



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San Diego, CA



Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

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Albany, NY



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Jill S.

location unknown



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Whichita, KS



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Boston, MA



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Colorado



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Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown
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Canada
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location unknown
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Wisconsin
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location unknown
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North Carolina
Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

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Bessie Mae

Florida
Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown
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New Jersey


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a mom

location unknown


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Lenoir, NC


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Bellevue, WA


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location unknown

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