Your feet help provide stability for the body and withstand tons of pressure every day, so it's no surprise that heel pain is a commonly reported foot ailment. Excessive pressure can cause irritation, swelling and pain. Heel pain is often temporary and gets better with rest, but several chronic conditions can cause burning pain while stretching the back of the heel.
Achilles Tendinitis
The Achilles tendon is a fibrous band of tissue that runs along the foot bed and connects calf muscles to the heel bone. High-intensity activities and repetitive motions put extra pressure on the tendon, resulting in tendinitis. Heel pain can be gradual or sudden, and often increases during activity. Serious damage to the Achilles tendon can result in tears and may require surgery to repair the damaged tendon. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness and pain along the calf and back of the heel that improves with mild activity. Your physician may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to treat symptoms of Achilles tendinitis.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a long band of tissue that connects your toes to your heel bone and forms the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia can become inflamed due to overstretching and overuse, making walking very painful. You may feel a stabbing or burning pain at the back of your heel, especially while stretching your foot. Treatment for plantar fasciitis includes shoe inserts, ice, anti-inflammatory medication and stretching exercises. Night splints can also help rest the plantar fascia while gently stretching the injured tissues. Before physical activity, stretch your feet and calf muscles to help prevent plantar fasciitis and other foot ailments.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are bony overgrowths that can appear on the heel bone and often cause pain while walking, running and exercising. Old injuries, arthritis and aging can cause heel spurs. A common place for heel spurs is the heel bone, resulting in pain and inflammation when supportive tissues rub against the spur. The continuous inflammation, tension and tearing of tissues against the spur cause pain at the back of the heel. You may experience a stabbing or burning pain behind the heel when putting pressure on the area. Surgical removal is suggested for heel spurs that interfere with walking or cause severe pain.
Heel Bursitis
Retrocalcaneal bursitis, or heel bursitis, is the swelling and inflammation of the fluid-filled sacks called bursa at the back of the heel. Bursa act as cushions for the tendons that slide over bone during movement. Retrocalcaneal bursitis occurs when the bursa near the heel bone become inflamed, resulting in swelling, warmth and heel pain. You may experience a burning pain behind the heel, especially when standing on your tiptoes. Heel bursitis is often caused by too much walking, running or physical activity without properly warming up. Your physician may prescribe physical therapy to improve the strength and flexibility of the ankle's supportive structures to prevent future injuries.
