Navigating heel pain can be a guessing game, given its myriad potential causes. This infographic highlights ten culprits, assesses severity, and advises when to consult a podiatrist for effective relief.

Table of Contents

1. Plantar fasciitis

When the band on the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes is strained, it causes plantar fasciitis. If it is a mild case, you may be able to treat it with stretches, ice, and strong arch supports in your shoes. For a more severe case, you will want to visit your podiatrist.

2. Achilles tendonitis

The Achilles will become inflamed, resulting in tendonitis if it is overused. Minor and moderate Achilles tendonitis treatment will include resting your leg and alleviating the pain with over-the-counter medication. For more severe cases, you will want to call your podiatrist.

3. Heel spur

If plantar fasciitis isn’t treated quickly enough, it can lead to a calcium deposit known as a heel spur. An x-ray from your podiatrist can help you see if you have a bony protrusion on your heel where the fascia tissue band meets it. These are fixed by following the same plantar fasciitis treatment.

4. Stress fracture

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone that are typically caused by overuse. They are most commonly found in individuals who make repetitive motions for a long time, such as jumping or distance running. A podiatrist may be able to help you determine what would be helpful on your healing journey.

5. Trapped nerves

You might have a trapped or compressed nerve if you are experiencing numbness and tingling along with your heel pain. Trapped nerves are often associated with sprains or fractures. Varicose veins can also play a part in trapped nerves. If you are unable to alleviate the pain with rest, ice, and over-the-counter medications, you might want to give your podiatrist a call.

6. Calcaneal apophysitis

Calcaneal apophysitis, also known as Sever’s disease, is common among children engaging in sports requiring a lot of jumping. It can also be caused by new shoes straining this part of the foot. A podiatrist can help provide strengthening exercises as well as preventative measures.

7. Bursitis

Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa sac. Pain from bursitis may manifest itself at the back of the heel or the bottom of the heel. Bursitis may heal on its own, but chronic or recurring cases of it might benefit from the insight of a podiatrist.

8. Fat pad atrophy

When the fat pad of our heel atrophies, it can cause pain. This pain is more pronounced throughout the day. Fat pad atrophy is most common in older individuals. Meeting with a podiatrist can help you ensure nothing more nefarious is happening.

9. Stone bruise

A stone bruise refers to any bruise on the heel that was caused by a small object. Though excruciatingly painful, these types of bruises or injuries will heal independently and require no medical attention. If it does not heal, it might not be a stone bruise after all.

10. Posterior calcaneal exostosis

This condition is most common in young women, as it is caused by wearing high-heeled pumps. It is a bony growth at the back of the heel. Custom orthotics can heal minor cases, but more severe cases may require surgery.

10 Causes of Heel Pain