Foot and heel pain can stem from several causes. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a sore foot and heel will often resolve on its own without invasive therapies, such as surgery, if a person rests her foot. The AAOS notes that, for those who ignore the early signs of foot and heel pain and continue the activities that may have caused the pain, the pain typically gets worse and could lead to a chronic condition.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis causes posterior foot and heel pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is a thick, strong band of tissue that links the calf muscles in the posterior lower leg with the calcaneus or heel bone. Achilles tendinitis typically arises from overuse injuries incurred while running or participating in other sports or activities that involve intense exercise or jumping. Achilles tendinitis responds favorably to conservative care methods, including chiropractic care and physical therapy. Self-care, at-home treatments, under a physician's supervision, are helpful for preventing Achilles tendinitis-related discomfort. More serious bouts of Achilles tendinitis can lead to tendon ruptures, which may require surgery to repair the injured tissues, states the MayoClinic.com. The most common symptoms associated with Achilles tendinitis include the following: mild swelling in the Achilles tendon, early morning Achilles tendon stiffness and bouts of severe Achilles tendon pain following prolonged running or stair climbing.
Calcaneal Stress Fractures
Calcaneal stress fractures can cause foot and heel pain. The Sports Injury Clinic website states that calcaneal fractures are fractures of the calcaneus or heel bone located at the back of the foot. Stress fractures in the calcaneus may occur from overuse, and are relatively common in soldiers who do a significant amount of marching. According to the Sports Injury Clinic website, calcaneal stress fractures are also common in runners who train on hard surfaces, such as pavement or concrete. The most common symptoms of a calcaneal stress fracture include the following: slow onset of heel pain, pain made worse by weight-bearing activity and the reproduction of the patient's familiar heel pain when the back of the heel is squeezed on both sides. X-rays of the calcaneus will not reveal any signs of fracture until the fracture has begun to heal, around two to three weeks later, although X-rays may never show signs of a stress fracture. For suspected stress fractures, a person should rest for six to eight weeks.
Stone Bruise
A stone bruise can cause foot and heel pain. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a stone bruise occurs when a person steps on a hard object--such as a rock or stone--and bruises the fat pad on the underside of her heel. The AAOS states that the bruise may or may not appear discolored, and that the pain gradually resolves with rest. The Injured Runner website notes that stone bruise-related pain may be felt instantly or manifest the following day, and that the painful spot typically is located deep to the heel's fat pad, on the back outside corner of the heel. Common treatments for stone bruises include rest, placing more weight on the ball of the foot during ambulation and taking ibuprofin or other anti-inflammatory substances to reduce the inflammation.
