Causes

There are several conditions that cause heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause. This is burning or aching pain caused from irritation and inflammation to the plantar fascia usually in the arch of the foot. Heel spurs are also a common culprit of heel pain. They are usually associated with plantar fasciitis as it continues for a long time, a heel spur or calcium deposit which may form where the plantar fascia tissue band connects to your heel bone itself. Pain can also be associated with trauma to the fat pad of the heel after stepping on something which can lead to bruising of the heel bone itself. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can also been associated with heel pain. This pain is caused from a large nerve entrapment in the back of the foot this is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the hand. Stress fractures can also cause heel pain. These however are usually associated with trauma and in athletes who participate in long distance running and contact sports. There is also posterior heel pain. Posterior heel pain causes symptoms behind the foot, rather than underneath. Posterior heel pain is caused from Achilles tendonitis and a retrocalcaneal bursitis.