The causes of heel pain are usually misunderstood, and the importance of treating heel pain is often underrated. While heel pain can be caused by having to stand too long at a job or wearing the wrong shoe, both causes that can be easily treated, chronic heel pain can lead to more serious and even degenerative bone diseases, which can worsen with age. There are three types of conditions that cause chronic heel pain and should be monitored and treated carefully.

First, there is plantar fasciitis, which is the result of an injury to the ligament that connects the toes to the heel. The causes of plantar fasciitis include foot strain, rolling feet severely inward when walking, walking or running over hard surfaces for extended time periods, and even wearing shoes that are either worn out or do not fit anymore.

Second, tarsal tunnel syndrome is heel pain that manifests particularly at night. The pinching of the nerve that stretches from the back of the leg to the ankle, or tibial nerve, results in heel pain. This syndrome usually affects those who have experienced an earlier ankle injury, although when people underpronate, or roll severely inward when walking or running, inflamed tendons and broken mass or cysts can also cause it.

Third, tight Achilles tendons and calf muscles can lead to heel pain. In this case, high heeled shoes, tight shoes, or standing or walking for too long create the condition. Women who spend all day in high heels or athletes who have to be constantly on their feet often experience this kind of pain.

The cures and treatments for chronic heel pain depend on the severity of the problem. When younger people experience severe heel pain, x-rays are sometimes used in connection with other tests to figure out the true cause. Medication could be indicated if the pain is not caused by an injury. Taking prescribed anti-inflammatory medication helps alleviate the pain, though it is best to not self-diagnose, as painkillers are addictive, and the dosage needs to be carefully followed. Also, self-diagnosis may lead to ignoring an underlying degenerative bone disease. Chronic heel pain can also be treated by wearing orthopedic shoes or other footwear that support all the muscles connected to the heel. Using comfortable shoes is another option to help with the pain. Rest is sometimes indicated and is enough to lessen or eliminate the pain.