7 Major Causes of Heel Pain

Here are seven reasons you may be experiencing pain in your heels:

1. Plantar Fasciitis

A leading cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a band of tissue that goes down the back of your foot. Plantar fasciitis begins when this band of tissue becomes swollen or inflamed. You may experience pain from plantar fasciitis after long periods of reduced movement, like a whole night of sleep. People who typically experience this cause of heel pain are runners and individuals who are overweight.

2. Achilles Tendinitis 

The Achilles tendon that connects the back of the calf to the heel bone can cause heel pain. You may feel pain in your heel when the Achilles tendon is strained or inflamed. Runners who increase their running distance or duration may feel the effects of Achilles tendonitis. People who play sports like tennis or basketball can also experience heel pain from a strained Achilles. Severe cases of Achilles tendinitis can cause tendon tears and may require surgery.

3. Heel Spur

A heel spur is a bony growth that develops on the underside of the heel bone. This cause of heel pain may be associated with plantar fasciitis. You can develop heel spurs from wearing shoes that do not fit properly, walking abnormally, running on hard surfaces, and carrying extra body weight. Your doctor can confirm whether you have a heel spur by completing an x-ray of the area.

4. Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can cause heel pain. This bacterial infection can begin in other places of the body and then travel to the bone. Osteomyelitis can also start in the bone itself after an injury. You can develop osteomyelitis if you are a smoker or have a chronic illness. Individuals with diabetes can develop osteomyelitis if their foot ulcers are not properly treated. This condition is most common in young children but can affect people of any age.

5. Bursitis

You can experience heel pain as a side effect of Bursitis. This condition causes the tiny fluid-filled sacs around your joints to inflame. Bursitis begins when a movement is repeated regularly. Symptoms can be relieved with rest and ice. Joints that are most commonly affected by Bursitis are the shoulder, elbow, hip, and ankle.

6. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

This is a condition where the tibial nerve becomes pinched or compressed. The tibial nerve is found inside the ankle and across the tarsal tunnel. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome can cause heel pain and overall foot pain. This syndrome is common but often goes undiagnosed. If you experience heel pain, you can ask your podiatrist if Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome may be the cause. Early treatment of this condition can help prevent further nerve damage.

7. Arthritis

Certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, can cause heel pain. These types of arthritis may affect the joints in the ankle and foot. Physical therapy, steroid injections, and reduced physical activity can be used to reduce the symptoms of arthritis in the ankle and foot.

Call Our Podiatrist To Learn More About Heel Pain Relief

At Horizon Foot and Ankle, our podiatrists can offer you education on and relief from pain in your feet, heels, and ankles. There are many causes of heel pain that your primary doctor may be unable to diagnose, but podiatry professionals may be able to help you find the underlying cause of your heel issues. Contact us at Horizon Foot and Ankle to learn more about our services.