What Does A Heel Lift Do?

What Does A Heel Lift Do?

Heel lifts are supportive shoe inserts designed to slightly raise the heel inside your footwear. By changing the position of the heel, they can help reduce tension through the Achilles tendon, plantar fascia and calf muscles whilst improving comfort during walking and standing.

Heel lifts are commonly recommended for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, calf tightness and leg length discrepancies. Adjustable heel elevators may also be used as part of rehabilitation programmes where gradual changes in heel height are beneficial.

Whilst heel lifts can improve comfort for many people, they work best when used alongside appropriate footwear, stretching exercises and professional advice where required.

How Do Heel Lifts Work?

A heel lift works by gently elevating the heel inside the shoe. Although the change in height is relatively small, it can alter the amount of tension placed through the calf muscles, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia during movement.

This change may help to:

  • Reduce tension through the Achilles tendon
  • Reduce strain on the plantar fascia
  • Improve walking comfort
  • Support altered lower limb biomechanics
  • Improve comfort during prolonged standing
  • Assist rehabilitation following injury

Even a small adjustment in heel height can sometimes make a noticeable difference to comfort during everyday activities.

What Conditions Are Heel Lifts Commonly Used For?

Heel lifts are frequently recommended as part of a conservative treatment plan for a variety of lower limb conditions, including:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Calf muscle tightness
  • Heel pain
  • Leg length discrepancies
  • Sports recovery
  • Biomechanical offloading
  • Post-injury rehabilitation

In some cases, heel lifts may also be recommended following lower limb surgery or injury, although this should always be guided by a healthcare professional.

Adjustable Heel Elevators vs Fixed Heel Lifts

Not all heel lifts are the same.

Some provide a fixed amount of elevation, whilst adjustable heel elevators allow the height to be modified as symptoms improve or rehabilitation progresses.

The Adjustable 5 Layer Heel Elevator features five removable layers that allow progressive adjustment from approximately 15mm down to 3mm, making it suitable for individuals who require flexibility throughout their recovery.

Potential advantages of adjustable heel lifts include:

  • Personalised heel height
  • Progressive rehabilitation support
  • Greater flexibility during recovery
  • Easier symptom management
  • Improved long-term comfort

The slimline design also fits comfortably inside most everyday footwear.

Can Heel Lifts Help Plantar Fasciitis?

Heel lifts are commonly used to help reduce tension through the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in individuals experiencing plantar fasciitis.

By slightly elevating the heel, pressure and strain through the foot may be reduced during walking and standing, particularly when combined with supportive footwear, stretching programmes and appropriate rehabilitation exercises.

Many people also use heel lifts alongside orthotic insoles or night splints as part of an overall plantar fasciitis management plan.

Can Heel Lifts Help Achilles Tendonitis?

Heel lifts are also widely used for Achilles tendon discomfort because elevating the heel may reduce stretch through the tendon during walking.

This may improve comfort in individuals experiencing:

  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Insertional Achilles pain
  • Calf muscle tightness
  • Sports-related tendon overload

Adjustable heel lifts are often preferred because the amount of support can be gradually reduced as symptoms improve.

Choosing The Right Heel Lift

When choosing a heel lift, consider:

  • Adjustable height options
  • Stable, non-slip construction
  • Firm but comfortable materials
  • Compatibility with your footwear
  • Comfort during prolonged wear
  • Ease of cleaning and adjustment

A slim, lightweight design can also improve compatibility with everyday shoes without adding unnecessary bulk.

Continue Reading

Explore more expert advice on heel pain, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon support.


Our Recommended Support

Adjustable 5 Layer Heel Elevator

The Adjustable 5 Layer Heel Elevator provides progressive heel elevation from 3mm to 15mm, helping reduce strain on the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon and calf muscles whilst fitting comfortably into most everyday footwear. Its removable layers allow gradual adjustment, making it suitable for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon discomfort, leg length discrepancies and lower limb rehabilitation.

https://www.orthotix.co.uk/products/adjustable-heel-elevator

When Should You Seek Professional Advice?

Persistent heel pain, sudden swelling, severe pain, numbness or difficulty walking should always be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. While heel lifts may improve comfort for many people, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is important to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for your condition.