A summer vacation, a long day at an amusement park, or even a weekend of yardwork can leave your feet feeling more worn down than usual. Some soreness after a busy day is expected, but heel pain that keeps coming back, changes how you walk, or makes your first steps in the morning painful deserves attention.
Reviewed and contributions made by VP of Clinical Development Thomas Denninger
Key Takeaways
- Increased walking and standing can place additional stress on the feet and heels.
- Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain.
- Proper footwear, stretching, and gradual increases in activity can help reduce injury risk.
- Physical therapy can help address pain, improve mobility, and prevent recurring symptoms.
By the Numbers: Foot and Heel Pain
Foot pain affects millions of Americans each year, and increased activity during the summer can make existing issues more noticeable.
- Approximately 2 million people are treated for plantar fasciitis each year in the United States.
Source: NIH / PMC: Plantar Fasciitis in Physicians and Nurses - Foot pain is highly prevalent in the general population, with studies reporting that between 9% and 30% of adults experience foot pain.
Source: NIH / PMC: Prevalence of Foot Pain Across an International Consortium of Population-Based Cohorts - Plantar fasciitis accounts for approximately 11% to 15% of all foot symptoms requiring professional care in adults.
Source: NIH / PMC: Incidence, Prevalence, and Management of Plantar Heel Pain
These numbers highlight just how common foot and heel pain can be and why addressing symptoms early may help prevent more persistent problems.
You do not have to wait until heel pain becomes a daily problem. If foot or heel pain is limiting your walking, travel, work, or summer activities, ATI Physical Therapy can help identify what is contributing to your symptoms and build a plan to help you move more comfortably. In most cases, you can begin physical therapy without a doctor’s referral.
Why Your Feet May Hurt More in the Summer
Many people become more active during the summer without realizing how much additional stress they’re placing on their feet. Vacations, outdoor events, gardening, travel, amusement parks, and recreational sports often mean significantly more walking and standing than usual.
At the same time, footwear habits also change. Sandals, flip-flops, and worn-out athletic shoes may provide less support than your feet need, increasing strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When these factors combine, even healthy feet can become sore, while existing conditions may become more noticeable. Understanding these seasonal changes can help you make small adjustments that keep you moving comfortably all summer long.
More Time on Your Feet
Long days of sightseeing, shopping, festivals, and outdoor activities increase the cumulative load placed on your feet, especially if you’re walking farther than you typically do.
Unsupportive Footwear
Flip-flops, sandals, and older athletic shoes often provide less arch support and cushioning, increasing stress on the heel and surrounding tissues.
Sudden Activity Increases
Going from a mostly sedentary routine to walking several miles each day can overload muscles, tendons, and ligaments that haven’t had time to adapt.
Hard Walking Surfaces
Concrete sidewalks, parking lots, and paved trails absorb very little impact, causing more force to travel through the feet with every step.
Common Causes of Foot and Heel Pain
Heel pain isn’t always caused by the same condition. Several different injuries and overuse problems can produce similar symptoms, making it difficult to know exactly what’s causing your discomfort without a proper evaluation.
Understanding the most common causes can help you recognize patterns in your symptoms and determine when it’s time to seek professional care.
Plantar Fasciitis
Symptoms
- Sharp pain near the heel
- Pain with the first steps in the morning
- Discomfort after prolonged standing
- Pain after long walks
What It May Mean
The plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue supporting the arch of your foot, has become irritated or overloaded.
Achilles Tendinitis
Symptoms
- Pain at the back of the heel
- Morning stiffness
- Pain while climbing stairs
- Tenderness along the tendon
What It May Mean
The Achilles tendon has become irritated due to repetitive walking, increased activity, or tight calf muscles.
Heel Fat Pad Syndrome
Symptoms
- Deep aching pain directly beneath the heel
- Pain that worsens on hard surfaces
- Tenderness with direct pressure
What It May Mean
The natural cushioning beneath the heel has become irritated from repetitive impact.
Overuse Foot Pain
Symptoms
- Aching throughout the foot
- Mild swelling
- Tired feet after activity
- Temporary soreness
What It May Mean
Increased walking, standing, or changes in activity can overload the muscles, tendons, and joints of the foot before they’ve had time to adapt. While this type of discomfort often improves with rest, persistent symptoms may indicate a more significant overuse injury that would benefit from professional evaluation.
Tips to Keep Your Feet Comfortable
Foot pain often develops gradually rather than all at once. Fortunately, small changes in your daily routine can significantly reduce stress on your feet and help prevent discomfort before it becomes a more persistent problem.
Whether you’re traveling, sightseeing, or simply spending more time outdoors, these habits can help keep you active all summer.
Wear Supportive Shoes
For longer walking days, choose shoes that feel stable, have cushioning under the heel, and do not fold easily in the middle. Flip-flops and flat sandals may be fine for short periods, but they are usually not ideal for long walks, travel days, or standing on hard surfaces.
Increase Activity Gradually
If you know you’ll be walking more than usual on vacation, start preparing a week or two ahead of time by adding short walks to your routine. Your feet, calves, and ankles adapt better when activity increases gradually.
Stretch Your Calves
Tight calf muscles increase tension throughout the foot and heel.
Rest When Needed
Schedule breaks during long periods of walking and allow your feet time to recover after especially active days.
Simple Exercises for Foot and Heel Pain
Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can improve flexibility, support the muscles that stabilize your feet, and reduce strain on the heel during everyday activities. These exercises are simple to perform at home and can easily become part of your daily routine.
Stop any exercise that significantly increases pain.
Calf Stretch
- Hold for 30 seconds
- Repeat 3 times per side
Plantar Fascia Stretch
- Pull your toes gently toward your shin
- Hold for 20 to 30 seconds
- Repeat 3 times
Heel Raises
- 2 sets of 10 repetitions
Towel Toe Curls
- Place a towel on the floor
- Pull it toward you using only your toes
- Continue for 1 minute
Single-Leg Balance
- Stand on one leg
- Hold for 30 seconds
- Repeat twice per leg
When to See a Physical Therapist
Occasional soreness after a long day on your feet is common, but pain that continues to return, worsens over time, or changes the way you walk should not be ignored. Addressing foot pain early can often prevent minor problems from becoming chronic conditions that interfere with your daily activities.
A physical therapist can evaluate your walking mechanics, flexibility, strength, footwear, and movement patterns to determine what’s contributing to your symptoms. Treatment may include targeted exercises, manual therapy, gait training, and recommendations to reduce stress on the affected tissues.
You do not have to wait until heel pain becomes a daily problem. If foot or heel pain is limiting your walking, travel, work, or summer activities, ATI Physical Therapy can help identify what is contributing to your symptoms and build a plan to help you move more comfortably. In most cases, you can begin physical therapy without a doctor’s referral.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes heel pain when walking?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes, although Achilles tendinitis, heel fat pad syndrome, and other conditions can also contribute.
Is foot pain after walking normal?
Some temporary soreness after an especially active day is normal, but persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated.
Can physical therapy help plantar fasciitis?
Yes. Physical therapy can improve flexibility, strengthen the muscles that support your feet, reduce pain, and address movement patterns contributing to symptoms.
Should I keep walking if my heel hurts?
If discomfort is mild, reducing activity and allowing time to recover may help. However, pain that changes the way you walk or continues to worsen should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.