Heel pain can result from various factors, including daily activities and specific medical conditions. Commonly, heel pain is triggered by wearing ill-fitting shoes, prolonged standing, or high-impact activities like running and jumping.

Medical conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and bursitis are common culprits of heel pain. Moreover, certain systemic diseases like arthritis and nerve issues can also contribute to the discomfort.

What triggers pain in the foot’s heel?

A broad ligament, situated underneath the foot’s sole, extends from the heel bone to the foot’s ball. When this ligament undergoes undue strain or pull, it begins to separate from the heel gradually, leading to micro-tears. This slow process of ligament tear results in inflammation.

Persistent damage to the ligament may stimulate the deposition of calcium near the heel, forming a bone spur. This is an attempt by the body to reconnect the torn fibres to the heel. Although the bone spur itself is devoid of nerve endings and doesn’t induce pain, its presence may indicate long-term inflammatory conditions.

The inflammation of this plantar fascia ligament is referred to as Plantar Fasciosis, or more commonly as Plantar Fasciitis or Plantar Fasciosis. This condition is a primary cause of pain in the majority of cases.