Causes

By Mayo Clinic Staff

The most common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis, which affects the bottom of the heel, and Achilles tendinitis, which affects the back of the heel.

Heel pain also may be caused by other chronic conditions, injuries or some medical conditions that affect the bones and joints. Causes of heel pain include:

Chronic conditions that can cause heel pain

  1. Achilles tendinitis
  2. Bursitis
  3. Haglund's deformity.
  4. Heel spur.
  5. Peripheral neuropathy
  6. Plantar fasciitis
  7. Plantar warts
  8. Retrocalcaneal bursitis.
  9. Tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Injuries that can cause heel pain

  1. Achilles tendon rupture
  2. Calcaneal fracture.
  3. Heel bruise, also called contusion.
  4. Stress fractures

Medical conditions that can cause heel pain

  1. Ankylosing spondylitis
  2. Bone tumor
  3. Osteomyelitis
  4. Paget's disease of bone
  5. Pinched nerve
  6. Psoriatic arthritis
  7. Reactive arthritis
  8. Rheumatoid arthritis
  9. Sarcoidosis

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

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Feb. 19, 2025

See also

  1. Reactive arthritis
  2. Sever's disease