Heel Pain

Many of the causes of pain in your heel mimic each other. If your podiatrist does not identify the correct problem, they could be wasting your time and your money; worst of all, they could be doing more harm than good. The conditions that cause severe pain in the heel are numerous and often accompany one another, making a correct diagnosis difficult for all but the most experienced podiatrists. The following list gives you an idea of the most common causes of heel pain.

Heel spurs. Heel spurs occur at the point where the ligaments that run along the bottom of your foot connect to your heel bone. When this ligament is repeatedly stressed or strained, it causes your body to form a protective bony growth, commonly known as a heel spur.
Plantar fasciitis. This condition also deals with injury or stress to the band of ligaments that run along the bottom of your foot. In this case, your ligaments begin to stretch and tear, causing them to become inflamed. This condition can accompany heel spurs and is highly painful.
Bursitis. A soft tissue growth on your heel is known as a bursitis. This growth is often a sac of fluid or a neuroma. This condition is often mistaken for a heel spur.
Achilles tendonitis. Pain at the back of your heel (rather than the underside) is usually caused by a form of Achilles tendonitis. This condition is caused by a tearing along your tendon and can be excruciatingly painful.
Bone bruise. Your heel bone can become bruised if your heel strikes something hard, such as a rock, a child’s toy, or another object.
Rheumatoid arthritis. Both rheumatoid arthritis and gout can cause pain in your feet, including the big toe and the heel.