try to land properly. I do feel it after tough games. See blindaim if can. I tried the wanyang japanese leather pad. Seems to work for me after sleeping over it. Helps in circulation. Depends on individual i guess.
He said back of the heel. I'm having the same problem and it seems to be coming from the area around the retrocalceneal bursa.
what i read here and what i can recall from experience is what is missing in this thread - change your footwork or practice the proper footwork more often and do regular calf exercises after the pain goes away! this usually happen to your right heel for right hander and vice versa. if we have pain in that area, most of us will see a doctor, change our shoes if they are worn out or add a padding or 2 but it will come back! the main cause of pain at the back of your heel comes from taking a drop shot using your forehand (right-hander) when: 1/ you are caught unaware of the coming shot 2/ you don't have a proper footwork and a good shoe - you are supposed to kick out your right foot, land on your heel and bent your knee, inline with the coming shots. instead you slipped while taking that shot! other causes could be taking a shot deep in your forehand back court or improper landing on your racket foot when you smash. doing regular exercises for the calf muscle will make you run lighter especially for those flat footed player and never stand flat footed when playing badminton!
i having the same problem for almost 2-3 years...getting serious....i went to massage...the sifu say it is the side way muscle over " pull". u try to touch harder on the outer side lower the mid section. u will feel pain when u try to pin harder with your finger...i guess it is the same problem like mine. i guess we need to stop playing & do more massage & resting....i change my shoe few time..i think not the problem....my weight cause it....i'm 98Kg & i'm playing very aggressively for many years..
I went to my doctor, and he referred me to a physiotherapist. They didn't give me cortisone shots, but did some light massaging and ultrasound therapy. I'm now playing badminton at full intensity again . However, I think what helped me most wasn't the physio. I went to a beach with my friends, and we played soccer on the sand. A couple of hours later, I had no pain in my heel any more! I think the massaging effect and heat of the sand did me a world of good. So, my recommendation: go run on some hot sand.
Yeah tried changing my shoes too, from the cheap ones to the expensive ones with lots of cushion. No use and its still painful. I've only been playing competition level badminton for 1 year + =(.