When Heel Pain is Afoot

Pain in the heel may range from a minor nuisance to disabling.

The American Podiatric Medical Association mentions these possible causes:

• Formation of a spur, a non-cancerous bony growth, in this case on the bottom of the heel.
• Plantar fasciitis, in which the thick band of tissue at the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed.
• Pronation, in which the foot turns too much toward the inside. This can stretch ligaments attached to the heel.
• Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon that supports the back of the ankle and heel.
• An injury such as a bruise, or a foot deformity.