Heel Pain

What causes heel pain?

You may have heel pain if you bruise your heel when running or jumping, a problem that’s more likely if you wear unsupportive footwear. Bone spurs and stress fractures can also cause heel pain. However, the two most common causes are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

How does plantar fasciitis cause heel pain?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when a strong, ligament-like tissue in your foot (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia attaches to the heel and runs along the bottom of the foot to the toes.

Repetitive stress (overuse injuries), high-impact activities, tight calf muscles, and conditions like flat feet can strain the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation.

Plantar fasciitis causes symptoms such as:

• Heel pain when taking your first steps after a rest
• Pain near the heel and on the bottom of the foot
• Heel pain that’s worse after exercise (not during)
• Stabbing or aching pain near the arch

Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can progress to cause tears and bone spurs.

How does Achilles tendonitis cause heel pain?

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to your heel, where it lifts the heel when you walk, jump, or run. 

You have Achilles tendonitis if the tendon becomes inflamed, a problem that may occur due to an injury, repetitive movement, increasing the intensity of your exercise, or starting a new activity.

The symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:

• Pain and stiffness along the tendon
• Pain at the back of your heel
• Pain in the lower leg
• Heel pain that worsens when you’re active
• Heel pain when wearing shoes

Inflammation slowly weakens and damages the tendon, making it vulnerable to a rupture.

How is heel pain treated?

Your treatment depends on the underlying cause of your heel pain. However, rest is essential for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

Resting and avoiding activities that aggravate the tendon or plantar fascia give the tissues much-needed time to heal. The Woodlands Center for Special Surgery team may recommend switching to low-impact exercise, or you may need to immobilize your foot temporarily.

Other treatments include:

• Stabilizing the ankle with a brace
• Strengthening and stretching exercises
• Taking anti-inflammatory medications
• Getting steroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Custom orthotics

Your Woodlands Center for Special Surgery provider may recommend surgery if you don’t improve with conservative therapies or you have a severe tear or rupture.

Early treatment often speeds healing, so don’t wait to call the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery or book an appointment online.