Heel Injuries and Disorders
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
Heel problems are common and can be painful. Often, they result from too much stress on your heel bone and the tissues that surround it. That stress can come from:
- Injuries
- Bruises that you get walking, running or jumping
- Wearing shoes that don't fit or aren't made well
- Being overweight
These can lead to tendinitis, bursitis, and fasciitis, which are all types of inflammation of the tissues that surround your heel. Over time the stress can cause bone spurs and deformities. Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, can also lead to heel problems. Treatments for heel problems might include rest, medicines, exercises, taping, and special shoes. Surgery is rarely needed.
Symptoms, tests and care options
Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.
- Bone X-Ray · Radiological Society of North America
- Brisement · American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
- Calcaneal Osteotomies · American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
- Calcaneus Fracture Surgery (Heel Surgery) · American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
- Foot Problems · American Academy of Family Physicians
- Search the Foot and Ankle Conditions (Interactive Foot Diagram) · American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
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For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.
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