Heel pain is one of the most common conditions treated by podiatrists. The greatest incidence of heel pain is seen in middle aged men and women. It is often seen in those who start a new type of exercise or who participate in regular sporting activities at a higher intensity. This sudden increase in foot and leg muscle activity may lead to muscle strain and inflammation which results in pain under the heel or arch of the foot. It is also known as plantar fasciitis – plantar refers to the bottom of the foot and fasciitis refers to an inflammation of the fascia or connective tissue that surrounds the muscles, nerves and blood vessels under the foot.
Even a change in the surface you are walking on, such as spending a week at the beach, may trigger a stressful response from the foot muscles which are used to being in supportive shoes.
Posterior heel pain can also occur in children, usually between 8 and 13 as they become increasingly active in high impact sports. This is a condition related to the growth plate of the bones being disrupted and is often associated with tight calf muscles.
