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5 Common Causes of Persistent Heel Pain
Foot pain is common in the United States, and heel pain is often the source of that chronic discomfort. Up to 24% of those aged 18-64 experience foot pain, while 42% of those over age 65 do, too.
Posterior heel pain (HP) affects one in eight women and men over the age of 50.
If you have HP, you want it to end. But before treating chronic HP, you need to know what caused it.
Our skilled and experienced podiatrists diagnose and treat HP at North Park Podiatry in San Diego, California. In addition to a physical examination and medical history, we take imaging studies — including possible X-rays and CT scans — to determine the source of your heel pain.
Why does your heel chronically hurt? These five are the most common sources of HP.
1. Plantar fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. Healthy plantar fascia acts like a shock absorber, dispersing the stress of a footfall when you walk, run, jump, or dance.
Your plantar fascia may develop micro tears over time or due to overuse or injury. It could also become stretched or torn.
An injured plantar fascia may become inflamed, a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The inflamed, stiffened tissue is painful and can no longer perform its job as a shock absorber. The result is pain, particularly pain in the heel region.
2. Heel spurs
When calcium deposits build up over time on the bottom of your heel bone, you may develop a heel spur. Most heel spurs are painless. However, they may cause inflammation in the heel area, which can lead to symptoms.
Heel spurs are especially common if you already have a foot-related condition, such as plantar fasciitis. Ideally, you can treat heel spurs by removing stress from the heel by losing excess weight and wearing shoes that support your arches and absorb shocks.
3. Stress fractures
The heel bone can develop stress fractures due to high-impact activities, such as running. You may have one or more hairline fractures due to repetitive, long-term stress.
You’re more likely to have a heel bone stress fracture if you’re a male aged 30-50 who engages in high-impact sports. Other risk factors include having an eating disorder (which can weaken your bones) and using tobacco or alcohol.
4. Achilles tendonitis
When your heel pain is at the back, instead of the bottom, of your heel, you may have Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendon is a thick rope of tissue that connects your calf muscle to your heel.
Runners and others who pound the pavement or stress their feet are especially susceptible to Achilles tendonitis. You must rest your feet and allow the tendon to heal in order to resolve the heel pain.
5. Bursitis
Another source of pain in the back of your heel may be bursitis. The bursa are small fluid-filled sacs that help cushion the bones of your joints.
Overuse or injury may cause the bursa, where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone, to become inflamed and tender. This type of heel pain is often caused by ill-fitting sports shoes that cut into the back of the heel or by simply running too much without adequate support and shock absorption.
Do you have heel pain? Find out why and get the relief you need to get back on your feet – pain free – by calling our team today or using our easy online appointment form.