Celebrating Freedom: The 225th Anniversary of the U.S. Bill of Rights : Download the Special Report prepared by The Washington Times Advocacy Department available in the December 13, 2016, edition of The Washington Times.
Plantar fasciitis (say PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus) is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed). Then your heel or the bottom of your foot hurts when you stand or walk.
Conditions that may cause heel pain include: 1  When the tendon that connects the back of your leg to your heel becomes swollen and painful near the bottom of the foot. 2  Swelling of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) at the back of the heel bone under the Achilles tendon (bursitis)  Bone spurs in the heel.