Heel Pain: Check Your Symptoms and Signs With the Symptom Checker by MedicineNet.com

Heel Pain Symptoms

Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Related
Symptoms & Signs

Pain in the heel can result from a number of factors. Abnormalities of the skin, nerves, bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues of the heel can all result in pain. Because of walking and daily movement, we are always at risk for injury or trauma to the heel area. Common causes of pain in the heel include blisters and corns. Plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the "bowstring-like" tissue in the sole of the foot stretching from the heel to the front of the foot, is one condition commonly associated with heel pain. Sometimes diseases that affect other areas of the body, like peripheral vascular disease or arthritis, can also result in pain in the foot or heel. Sever's disease is a cause of heel pain in children that results from injury to the growth plate of the heel bone. Treatments for heel pain depend on the particular cause.

Health concern on your mind? Visit the Symptom Checker.

REFERENCE:

Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.

Terms related to Heel Pain:

Pain in the Heel

Causes of Heel Pain

Arthritis Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness...learn more »
In This Article
Arthritis Article
- Arthritis facts
- What is arthritis? What causes arthritis?
- What are risk factors for arthritis?
- What are arthritis symptoms and signs?
- Who is affected by arthritis?
- How is arthritis diagnosed, and why is a diagnosis important?
- What is the treatment for arthritis?
- Is there a special diet for arthritis?
- What are the prognosis (outlook) for arthritis, and what are arthritis complications?
- Can arthritis be prevented?
- What is the national financial impact of arthritis?
- What is a rheumatologist?
- What is the Arthritis Foundation?
Bone Fracture (Broken Bone) Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand the outside forces applied to the bone. Fractures can be open or closed. Types of...learn more »
In This Article
Bone Fracture (Broken Bone) Article
- Bone fracture facts
- Introduction and definition of bone fracture
- What causes a bone fracture?
- What are the signs and symptoms of a bone fracture?
- What are common types of bone fractures?
- Broken wrist
- Broken hip
- Broken leg
- Broken shoulder
- Broken hand or fingers
- Open fracture
- Stress fracture
- Compression fracture
- Broken rib
- Skull fracture
- Other fractures
- Bone fracture in children
- How is a bone fracture diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a bone fracture?
- Bone fracture surgery
Bruises A bruise, or contusion, is caused when blood vessels are damaged or broken as the result of a blow to the skin. The raised area...learn more »
In This Article
Bruises Article
- What is a bruise?
- Why do bruises occur more frequently in some people than in others?
- What does a bruise look like, and why does it change color?
- What if the bruise doesn't get better or the area stays swollen?
- What are some less common causes of bruising, and what do they indicate?
- What is the treatment for bruising?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for bruising?
- Bumps & bruises facts
Bug Bites and Stings Bug bites and stings have been known to transmit insect-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever,...learn more »
In This Article
Bug Bites and Stings Article
- Bug bites and stings introduction
- What can I do to keep insects away?
- What's the proper way to use insect repellent?
- What's the best way to remove a bee stinger?
- What should I do if I find a tick on me or my child?
- What can be done for itching and pain from bites and stings?
- When is medical attention needed?
- Where can I find more information on bug bites and stings?
Bunions The common bunion, an enlargement of the inner portion of the joint at the base of the big toe, primarily affects women. The...learn more »
In This Article
Bunions Article
- Bunions facts
- What are bunions?
- What are the causes of bunions?
- Who develops bunions?
- What are symptoms and signs of a bunion?
- How is a bunion diagnosed?
- How are bunions treated? Are there home remedies to treat bunions?
- Can bunions be prevented?
- What is the prognosis of a bunion?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which irritation of the wrist's median nerve causes tingling and numbness of the thumb,...learn more »
In This Article
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Article
- What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
- What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?
- What conditions and diseases cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
- What are carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms?
- How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome? Can carpal tunnel syndrome be prevented?
- What are complications of carpal tunnel syndrome?
- What is the prognosis for carpal tunnel syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome?
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome facts
Corns Corns and calluses are sometimes painful areas of thickened skin that appear between the toes and fingers or on the soles of the...learn more »
In This Article
Corns Article
- Corns and calluses facts
- What are corns and calluses?
- Why do corns and calluses develop?
- What are risk factors for corns and calluses?
- What are symptoms and signs of corns and calluses?
- How are corns and calluses diagnosed?
- How can corns and calluses be treated?
- When should you seek professional treatment for corns and calluses?
- What is the prognosis for corns and calluses?
- How can corns and calluses be prevented?
Foot Pain Foot pain may be caused by injuries (sprains, strains, bruises, and fractures), diseases (diabetes, Hansen disease, and gout),...learn more »
In This Article
Foot Pain Article
- How is the foot designed?
- What causes foot pain?
- What other symptoms and signs may accompany foot pain?
- When should I seek medical treatment for foot pain?
- How is foot pain diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for foot pain?
- What follow-up care is needed after foot pain is treated?
- How can foot pain be prevented?
- Foot Pain At A Glance
Heel Spurs Heel spurs, pointed, bony outgrowths of the heel, are caused by localized soft tissue inflammation and can be located at the back...learn more »
In This Article
Heel Spurs Article
- Heel spurs & plantar fasciitis facts
- What is a heel spur? What are symptoms of a heel spur?
- How do heel spurs relate to plantar fasciitis? What causes heel spurs and plantar fasciitis?
- How are heel spurs and plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
- How are heel spurs and plantar fasciitis treated?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis?
- Can heel spurs and plantar fasciitis be prevented?
Osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Potential causes include injections around the bone, fractures that puncture the skin,...learn more »
In This Article
Osteomyelitis Article
- Osteomyelitis facts
- What is osteomyelitis?
- What causes osteomyelitis?
- What are osteomyelitis symptoms and signs?
- How is osteomyelitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for osteomyelitis?
- What is the prognosis for osteomyelitis?
Peripheral Vascular Disease Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to diseases of the blood vessels (arteries and veins) located outside the heart and...learn more »
In This Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease Article
- Peripheral vascular disease facts
- What is peripheral vascular disease?
- What is atherosclerosis?
- How does atherosclerosis cause disease?
- What are potential complications of peripheral artery disease?
- What are the other causes of peripheral vascular diseases?
- Who is at risk for peripheral artery disease?
- What are the symptoms and signs of peripheral artery disease?
- How is peripheral artery disease diagnosed?
- What are the treatments for peripheral artery disease?
- Lifestyle changes
- Supervised exercise
- Medications
- Angioplasty
- Surgery
Sciatica Sciatica pain, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, typically radiates from the low back to behind the thigh to below the...learn more »
In This Article
Sciatica Article
- Sciatica facts
- What is sciatica?
- What are causes of sciatica?
- What are risk factors for sciatica?
- What are sciatica symptoms?
- How is sciatica diagnosed?
- What are treatment options for sciatica?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with sciatica?
- Can sciatica be prevented?
Sever Condition Sever condition is an inflammation of the growth plate of the bone at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches....learn more »
In This Article
Sever Condition Article
- What is Sever condition?
- What causes Sever condition?
- What are signs and symptoms of Sever condition?
- Who gets Sever condition?
- How is Sever condition diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for Sever condition?
- What is the prognosis of Sever condition?
Snake Bites Pet vipers are a family of poisonous snakes, which includes rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins (cottonmouths)....learn more »
In This Article
Snake Bites Article
- Introduction to snake bites
- What are the symptoms of a poisonous snake bite?
- What is appropriate first aid for poisonous snake bites?
- How are poisonous snake bites treated?
Sprains and Strains An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be...learn more »
In This Article
Sprains and Strains Article
- Muscle sprains and strains facts
- What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
- What causes a sprain or strain?
- Where do sprains and strains usually occur?
- What are sprain symptoms and signs?
- How are sprains and strains diagnosed?
- How are sprains and strains treated?
- What is the recovery time for sprains and strains?
- Can sprains and strains be prevented?
- What is the prognosis of sprains and strains?
- Where can people find more information about sprains and strains?
Vasculitis Vasculitis is a general term for a group of uncommon diseases which feature inflammation of the blood vessels. Each form of...learn more »
In This Article
Vasculitis Article
- What is vasculitis?
- What causes vasculitis and what are examples of diseases with vasculitis?
- How is vasculitis diagnosed?
- How is vasculitis treated?
- Vasculitis At A Glance
- Related vasculitis article
  Vasculitis - on eMedicineHealth
Warts (Common Warts) Common warts are skin growths causes by the human papillomavirus. There are many types of warts, including plantar warts, common...learn more »
In This Article
Warts (Common Warts) Article
- Wart facts
- What are common warts?
- What are some types of common warts?
- What is the treatment for common warts?
- Is using over-the-counter wart treatments safe?
- Are wart treatments effective?
- What if wart removal treatments fail?