Unpacking the Many Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is all around us: it touches down on the football field, waits for us at the finish line after a long marathon, and tells us to lose weight when we step on the scale in the morning. Whether we are an athlete, a bit overweight, or simply getting older, heel pain is so much more pervasive than we think.

Although 10% of people will experience plantar fasciitis in their lifetimes, it only accounts for a fraction of why people feel pain in the back of their feet. Today, we at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists will uncover all the reasons why this painful, debilitating foot symptom exists, including the different types of people who suffer from it. Let’s jump in.

Plantar Fasciitis

The most frequent cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. It’s no wonder, considering it’s the inflammation of the giant tissue network that runs along the bottom of your foot. If you feel the most severe pain in the morning, or after long periods of rest, it’s because that tissue shortens and tightens when you’re not engaging it.

• Who gets it: Plantar fasciitis often affects middle-aged people and runners. For middle-aged folks, things like weight gain and aging can easily strain the fascia. For runners, it's often a classic overuse injury that’s brought on by a sudden increase in mileage or training intensity. However, people who spend a lot of time on their feet for work in general are also susceptible.

Achilles Tendonitis

If your pain is located more at the back of your heel, you might be dealing with Achilles tendonitis. This is inflammation of the tendon itself. Like plantar fasciitis, it's often an overuse injury that causes pain and stiffness in the morning or after physical activity.

• Who gets it: This is incredibly common among athletes, particularly those involved in sports with repetitive jumping and running, like basketball or track. It can also affect people who have tight calf muscles and don't stretch enough.

Fat Pad Atrophy

Imagine the natural cushioning under your heel wearing down over time. That's fat pad atrophy. The fat pads on our heels are crucial shock absorbers, but with age, excess weight, or repetitive high-impact activities, this padding can thin out and leave you with a feeling of walking directly on your heel bone.

• Who gets it: While a natural part of aging, it can be accelerated in overweight people or those who vigorously exercise.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures in the heel bone can cause a deep ache that worsens with running.

• Who gets them: Long-distance runners and marathoners; the repetitive stress leaves the bone little time to rest.

For any podiatric concerns you’re dealing with, come see Dr. Hubert Lee and the team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists for guidance and advice. You can schedule an appointment online or call today at 425-455-0936.