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Heel Injuries and Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Injuries Wounds

Heel Injuries and Disorders

Heel problems are commonly caused by excessive stress on the heel bone and surrounding tissues, often resulting from injuries, improper footwear, or underlying health conditions.

Overview

Heel problems are common and can be painful. They often result from too much stress on your heel bone and the surrounding tissues. This stress can be caused by:

  • Injuries
  • Bruises from walking, running, or jumping
  • Wearing shoes that don't fit or aren't made well
  • Being overweight

Conditions and Complications

Excessive stress can lead to tendinitis, bursitis, and fasciitis, which are all types of inflammation of the tissues surrounding your heel. Over time, this stress can cause bone spurs and deformities. Additionally, certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, can lead to heel problems.

Treatment

Treatments for heel problems might include rest, medicines, exercises, taping, and special shoes. Surgery is rarely needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wearing flat shoes, high heels, or shoes with inadequate arch support places excessive pressure on the plantar fascia and heel bone. Over time, this constant tension pulls on the attachment point of the fascia to the heel bone, stimulating the body to produce extra bone tissue, which forms a spur. Properly fitted shoes with cushioned heels and good arch support help distribute weight evenly, reducing the mechanical stress that leads to spur formation.
Physical therapy is more effective than rest alone when the injury involves chronic inflammation, such as Achilles tendinitis or persistent plantar fasciitis that has not improved after two weeks of rest. Therapy provides targeted stretching and strengthening exercises to correct biomechanical imbalances, such as tight calf muscles or weak foot arches. Rest alone may relieve acute pain but does not address the underlying structural issues that caused the injury, leading to a higher risk of recurrence.
Early signs include sharp pain in the bottom of the heel, specifically when taking the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. The pain may feel like a stabbing sensation and often improves slightly with movement but returns after prolonged standing or walking. If the pain becomes consistent throughout the day and you notice swelling or tenderness when pressing on the arch or heel, it indicates inflammation of the plantar fascia that requires targeted treatment.
Excess body weight significantly increases the mechanical load on the heel, with every extra pound adding substantial stress to the plantar fascia and heel bone. Losing even 5 to 10 percent of body weight can dramatically reduce pain and accelerate healing by decreasing the force exerted during walking and standing. Weight management is often a primary recommendation for patients with chronic heel pain, especially those with conditions like bursitis or fasciitis.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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