There are numerous causes of heel pain. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, heel pain is often caused by repetitive or excessive heel pounding, although in some cases it may be caused by a fall or twist. The NIH states that heel pain usually responds well to conservative treatment methods. Selecting and wearing proper footwear can reduce the likelihood of experiencing heel pain and is an important part of a heel pain treatment plan.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis can cause heel pain. According to the Sports Injury Clinic, Achilles tendinitis is now being referred to as Achilles tendinopathy, as it's believed that this condition is not an inflammatory disorder. The principal finding in people with Achilles pain is usually degenerated tissue with abnormal fiber structure. The Achilles tendon is the thick band of tissue that joins the bulky calf muscles to the heel bone or calcaneus and it provides power during the propulsive phase of gait or walking. The Achilles tendon can be damaged by overuse. Achilles tendinopathy can be acute or chronic. Common signs and symptoms associated with acute Achilles tendinopathy include the following: pain in the back of the heel that comes on gradually, pain in the involved area at the beginning of exercise that fades with activity and an Achilles tendon that's tender to the touch. Common signs and symptoms associated with chronic Achilles tendinopathy include pain with all exercise, swelling and thickening of the Achilles tendon and a creaking sensation when the ankle is flexed and extended.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can cause heel pain. The Merck Manuals website states that pain syndromes of the plantar fascia--a thick band of connective tissue that supports the foot's arch--have traditionally been called plantar fasciitis, but, like Achilles tendinitis, there's usually no inflammation present in the tissues. The term plantar fasciosis is more appropriate, as it describes the key finding in people with plantar pain: degenerated tissue. Plantar fasciosis may involve acute or chronic stretching, tearing and degeneration of the plantar fascia where it inserts into the calcaneus or heel bone. Common signs and symptoms associated with plantar fasciosis include the following: pain at the bottom of the heel while standing or walking, heel pain upon waking, heel pain at the end of the day, mild swelling in the involved area and burning pain along with inside edge of the foot. According to the Merck Manuals website, plantar fasciosis may be caused by shortening of the calf muscles and plantar fascia, due to a sedentary lifestyle, jobs that require prolonged periods of sitting and shoes with heel elevation.
Calcaneal Apophysitis
Calcaneal apophysitis can cause heel pain. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons or ACFAS, calcaneal apophysitis, also known as Sever's disease, is a painful inflammation of the heel's growth plate that can affect children between the ages of 8 and 14. ACFAS notes that the calcaneus, or heel bone, is not fully developed until a person is 14. Excessive repetitive stress on the heel's growth plate can cause inflammation and pain in the affected area. Calcaneal apophysitis is caused by overuse and stress to the heel bone sustained during sports participation, especially sports such that involve running or pounding on hard surfaces, such as soccer, basketball and track. Common signs and symptoms associated with calcaneal apophysitis include the following: pain under the heel, limping, toe-walking, an inability to run, jump or participate in sporting activities and tenderness when the sides of the heel are squeezed.
