When we walk, the heel is the first part of the foot to touch the ground. The weight then spreads evenly from the outer side of the foot towards the big toe. Our heels therefore have a very important function. Heel pain can occur at the front, back or underside of the heel.
Conditions that cause heel pain
- Plantar fasciitis: The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis – inflammation, damage and thickening of the flexible band of tissue on the sole, the plantar fascia, that connects the heel to the front of the foot. Its main symptom is pain under the heel, usually severe when getting out of bed in the morning or standing up after resting or sitting for a while.
- Heel spur: A bone-like projection forming under the heel bone is called a "heel spur"; it is named this way because it looks like a thorn on X-ray. It forms through calcium build-up under the heel bone as a result of strain and wear of the muscles and ligaments of the foot. Patients describe the pain as "like a thorn sticking into the heel". It is common among athletes who run or jump a lot, and can develop because of ill-fitting shoes, obesity and regular running.
In addition, "Achilles tendinitis" – inflammation of the Achilles tendon running from the back of the ankle to the heel bone – can cause pain in the heel and even at the back of the ankle. It is more common in people who run, walk a lot, stand for long periods or have short tendons, because of the heavy load on the tendon. Other causes of heel pain include other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, bursitis, Haglund's deformity and injuries.
The information on this page is for general information only and does not replace an examination and diagnosis.