Heel Pain and Plantar Fascitis Heel Pain and Plantar Fascitis Heel pain is probably the most common foot-related symptom seen in the orthopaedic surgeon's office. Heel pain is almost as ubiquitous as low back pain. It is estimated that a 150-pound person walking one mile places approximately 60 tons of force through each foot. No wonder heel inflammation occurs so frequently.
Most patients develop heel pain due to overuse.
This refers to the constant repetitive stretch and relaxation that the tissues about the heel undergo during normal walking and use. This can be made worse by sports activities, particularly running. Other contributing factors to the development of heel pain include prolonged standing or walking on hard concrete floors, weight increase, changes in activities, improper shoe support, and foot deformities such as flat feet. The most common condition that causes pain at the bottom of the heel is plantar fascitis. The plantar fascia is a strong ligament-like structure that attaches to the heel and courses along the arch of the foot, inserting into the base of the toes.