Every mile you walk puts approximately 60 tons of stress on each foot. Adding stress by running, pounding on hard surfaces, wearing ill-fitting shoes or playing hours of sports can increase your risk of developing heel pain. When you continue to use a sore heel, it will only get worse and can become a chronic problem. Causes of heel pain vary and can sometimes be avoided.
Plantar Fasciitis
The pain of plantar fasciitis is centered under the heel and may travel to the arch of the foot. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, excessive running and jumping can cause the band of tissue that connects the heel to the base of the toes to become inflamed. This is the plantar fascia. Running, soccer, basketball, walking in high heels and volleyball are all common activities that can initiate the development of plantar fasciitis.
Heel Spur
When plantar fasciitis becomes chronic, a heel spur can form. These are calcium deposits that form in the area where the fascia connects to the heel bone. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, these calcium deposits will be visible on X-ray and can vary in size. Treatment will include rest, icing, stretching and wearing a night splint. Each of these actions will help to stretch the plantar fascia and allow the body to reabsorb the extra calcium deposit at the heel spur.
Sciatica
Sciatica causes pain in the heel that originates in the back. According to American Academy of Family Physicians, the pain is caused from pressure on the nerve root at L5-S1. This specific nerve root is responsible for sensation to the heel. You may experience a sharp pain down the buttocks, thigh and leg toward the heel. Treatment of this heel pain must be directed at the cause of the nerve compression and not at the foot.
Stress Fracture
According to Dr. Stephen M. Pribut, a Washington, DC-based podiatric specialist, a stress fracture on the heel is more common if you march or run consistently on hard surfaces. Pain is usually insidious and gradual. You may experience more pain with weight-bearing activities or by carrying extra weight, such as a child. You will be able to initiate the pain when you squeeze the back of the heel from both sides simultaneously. Stress fractures may not show on X-ray and require complete rest of the extremity for six to eight weeks.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is a painful condition that is experienced by children. You may notice that your child is putting her weight on her toes after running or jumping. According to Southern California Orthopedic Institute, Sever’s is a result of overuse when the growth plate of the heel becomes displaced. Most orthopedic surgeons believe that there are microfractures between the growth plate and the rest of the heel that initiates the displacement and pain. The condition will resolve as the child ages but it may take a long period of time before it completely heals.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by compression of the nerves that control sensation in the heel of the foot. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, compression of these nerves causes a burning sensation in the heel at rest and with activity. You will experience a generalized pain over the heel. Your physician may order nerve conduction velocity studies to confirm the diagnosis and treatment may be conservative or include surgical decompression.
About this Author
Gail Morris has been writing extensively since 1997. She completed a master’s in nursing at IUPUI and practiced in medicine for more than 20 years. Morris has published medical articles in peer-reviewed journals and now writes for various online publications and freelances for Internet Marketers.
