Heel pain can be due to number of several causes, often caused by plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis results from inflammation of a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. Inflammation within this fascia, commonly the result of faulty foot structure, such as flat feet or high arches, ultimately causes the pain. Most of the time, patients describe the pain in the bottom of the heel that is worse about standing up from a resting position, such as first getting out of the bed in the morning.
Though plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, other causes, such as tendonitis, nerve irritation, arthritis, or the occasional cyst may lead to heel pain. Due to many causes that may cause heel pain, an accurate diagnosis and treatment is important for an individual suffering from heel pain back to normal as quickly as possible.
There are many conservative treatments for heel pain, as well as surgical options if those treatments are not sufficient. In all cases, it’s best to discuss your situation with a foot and ankle specialist to determine what treatment best suits your needs.