What causes heel pain?

Heel pain can be caused by a variety of different conditions ranging from mild to severe. Because heel pain can be a result of many different factors, it is important to have the area examined by a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the problem and determine the underlying source of the pain.

Causes of heel pain include plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, tarsal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures and tendonitis. In rare cases a cyst may also cause heel pain.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is a pain that is felt when the connective tissue band known as the plantar fascia is placed under so much stress that it begins to micro tear off its attachment to the heel. This pain feels worse when you put weight on your foot after long periods of rest. Typically patients will say that their foot feels the worst when they step out of bed in the morning. Patients also note that it hurts badly when they get up after sitting or driving.

Many times a heel spur will be seen with plantar fasciitis but it is not the cause of the problem, it is only a sign of long-term changes caused by chronic plantar fasciitis. Treatment of heal pain by surgical removal of the spur is no longer considered a good option.