6 Common Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is a common complaint. Although many conditions can cause heel pain, some of the more common causes are exercise-related injuries and/or genetics. Following are some common causes of heel pain.

Plantar fasciitis is pain and inflammation of the connective tissue which runs across the bottom of your foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. The pain from this condition is worse in the morning before your foot has had a chance to limber up. Plantar fasciitis is most prevalent in runners, pregnant women, and in those who wear shoes with inadequate sole cushioning.

Heel spur is a calcium growth around the ligaments and tendons of the foot that attach to the heel bone. The spur grows into the soft tissues of the foot and causes severe pain when it digs into the nerves in the foot.

Achilles tendinitis is another cause of heel pain. The Achilles tendon runs along the back of the foot and connects to the heel bone. If this tendon is overexerted and strained, the resulting inflammation is called Achilles tendinitis. This condition is usually a result of high-impact activities such as running or basketball.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is when a large nerve in the back of the foot becomes pinched. It causes a burning sensation on the bottom of the foot.

Calcaneal stress fracture can also cause heel pain. The big heel bone at the back of the foot is called the calcaneus bone. Sometimes a stress fracture occurs from overuse. The pain usually has a gradual onset and weight-bearing activities make it worse.

Heel bursitis is inflammation of the bursa (small fluid-filled sac) that lies over the head of the heel bone. The pain from this condition worsens with walking. This can cause pain, redness and tenderness around the heel bone.

Although the above conditions are common causes of heel pain, it is always advisable to check with your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment of any type of heel pain.

Source:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/plantar-fasciitis/DS00508