1. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that describes inflammation of plantar fascia itself or the site of its attachment to the heel bone. This is an inflammation of connective tissue. Plantar fascia is a big tendon like structure stretching all along the arch of the foot from the heel bone to all 5 toes. What causes plantar fasciitis? Microscopic tears in this connective tissue is the real cause which over time causes inflammation. Microscopic tears are caused by over-exertion (too much tension), in turn, over-exertion can be caused by structural deformity, usually over-pronation or excessive flattening of the foot, which lengthens the arch and puts extra tension on plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis may also be aggravated by excess weight or arches that are too high or other biomechanical underlining imperfections of the foot.

3. Generally speaking, spurs are very common condition in the feet. Spurs themselves are harmless, they are small outgrowths of the bone. They may develop around the big toe joint, near any toe joints, but most frequently found in the heel. Depending on the location off three spur it may cause pain, irritation, pressure spots, which may lead to other foot problems. Actual heel spur. When the foot rolls (over pronates) for a long period of time, plantar fascia pulls on the heel bone where it inserts and over the years forms boney heel spur. They may form a large heel spur on the bottom (or plantar aspect) of the foot. This structure can be palpated and clearly be visible on the x-ray exam. Sometimes heel spurs can measure about a centimeter in size (1/2″). In this case pain is more prevalent on standing or walking and progresses as the day goes on. Often this type of heel pain diminishes when person sits down or takes the weight off it. The amount of pain does not always correlate with size of heel spur. Sometimes even large heel spur does not cause any pain. In more severe cases this spur may cause heavy callus to form at the bottom of person’s heel and under certain conditions may lead even to ulcer formation.

4. Achille’s tendinitis. It hurts in the posterior aspect (the back) of the heel. Pain starts with the first steps in the morning and increases as the day progresses. In the initial stages morning stiffnes and aching goes away as the leg muscles and tendons warm up. Achilles tendon is designed to accelerate the entire human body forward on every step. It may withstand in excess of 1000 pounds. Despite all of that it is the tendon in humans that is most likely to be injured and ruptured due to sports injury. This is an overuse injury. Anybody who is walking or running, amateur jogger or a professional runner, may be a subject for this common injury.

Achilles tendinitis often happens together with Plantar fasciitis.

Most probable causes may include:

a. Over-pronation, under-pronation

b. Stiffnes (lack of elasticity) or shortness of calf muscles.

c. Uphill running, stairs.

d. Too rapidly increasing speed or mileage of running.

e. Incorrect running shoes or ill fitting ones.

f. Lack of warm-up and stretching.

g. Starting too vigorously after a longer period of inactivity (winter).

h. Getting off the high heels too rapidly.

i. Sudden hard contraction of calf muscles i.e. sprinting.

Heel Pain Treatment Options

Best results are achieved by using combination of the following treatments. Depending on severity of the condition and personal factors combinations may vary.