Heel pain usually means something is going on in the foot, and it can have a few different causes. By far the most common is plantar fasciitis, but it's not the only one, and getting the right diagnosis matters.

Plantar fasciitis: the most common cause

Your plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot. Plantar fasciitis is when it becomes inflamed, usually because of overuse, poor footwear or tight calf muscles.

It can cause tiny tears where the fascia attaches to your heel bone. That's why it hurts when your heel hits the ground and takes the force of each step.

For more on plantar fasciitis, read Is heel or arch pain slowing you down?

Other causes of heel pain

1. Achilles tendonitis: inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone.
2. Arthritis: inflammation within the joints. Types that can affect the heel include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Heel spurs: abnormal bony growths on the heel bone, which sometimes come with plantar fasciitis.
4. Fat pad syndrome: thinning or inflammation of the fat pad that cushions your heel.
5. Inflammation of the medial calcaneal nerve: also known as "heel pain syndrome", this involves inflammation of a nerve in the heel.

Why see a podiatrist?

Because there are so many possible causes, professional advice from a podiatrist is essential for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to you. Podiatrists specialise in foot and ankle care and can give you effective strategies to manage your heel pain.

The benefits of professional heel pain treatment

• Better range of motion in your foot and ankle
• Less heel pain
• Better shock absorption
• Better balance and coordination
• You can keep wearing the shoes you prefer
• No need for orthotics or cortisone
• The root cause of your pain is addressed

Best of all, treatment can be highly effective without you having to stop your daily activities, including walking.

Get your heel pain checked

For an expert heel pain assessment, call our Tauranga clinic on 07 925 0269 or book an appointment online. We're at 1260a Cameron Road, Gate Pa.