Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems. The pain usually comes from the inflammation of the thick fibrous tissue known as the plantar fascia. It runs the length of the arch on the sole of the foot. This condition is called plantar fasciitis. Heel pain is felt under the heel when standing or walking. The longer the inflammation lasts, the greater the chance that a heel spur (bone spur) will form where the fibrous tissue attaches to the heel bone.

Symptoms develop slowly. Pain is worse when first rising in the morning and diminishes during the day. The pain increases if weight-bearing activities are performed. Severe cases may have numbness on the outside of the foot. A lump can sometimes be felt when a heel spur develops. Shoes that are worn-out, shoes with poor arch supports, and shoes with very stiff soles can contribute to the condition.

Excessive force and stretching of the plantar fascia causes heel spurs to form. Distance runners are prone to chronic cases of plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Others at risk are those who have:
* excessive pronation (which is bearing weight on the inside surface of the foot) ,
* flat feet,
* knock-knees,
* high arches, or
* tight calf muscles.

Treat heel pain by:
* Stopping the activity that caused the problem.
* Ice massaging the area for the first 48 to 72 hours after feeling pain.
* Relieving pain and inflammation with ibuprofen or aspirin.
* Wearing a one-eighth-inch heel wedge inside both shoes.
* Not walking in bare feet.
* Continuing non-weight bearing activities like swimming or biking.
* Stretching the calf muscles.
* Using crutches to relieve stress on the heel.

Seek medical evaluation after 6 weeks of self care without relief of symptoms. Recovery time may take several months to a year. Severe cases need surgery for recovery.

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