The bone that creates your heel is the largest bone in your foot, and it helps to form the structure that contributes to the shape and function of the arch. The muscles and ligaments that extend on each side of your heel provide the necessary connections for movement for your big toe and pinky toe. The Achilles tendon connects from your calf muscle to the back of your heel bone, so there are many locations where injuries can occur with your heels causing unrelenting heel pain and discomfort.

Some of the causes of heel pain include the following:

• Achilles tendonitis—The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body, and it creates the connection between your heel bone and your calf muscle. The spot where it attaches to your heel bone is very sensitive to disruption, and this is the place where much of the pain and discomfort caused by a repetitive stress injury occurs.
• Plantar fasciitis—One of the most common causes of heel pain. It affects the band of fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot between your heel bone and your toes (the plantar fascia). When this tissue is irritated and inflamed, the pain radiates to the heel area and can be very noticeable when you first put weight on your foot after a night’s rest.
• Haglund’s deformity—The condition referred to as a “pump bump” is often caused by tight fitting shoes. This bony growth appears on the back of the heel and forms in response to the pressure and rubbing caused by high heels and other tight fitting shoes.

If you have heel pain that doesn’t go away, seeing your podiatrist is the best way to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Payel Ghosh and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.