Pain in the heel area is mostly caused by the Achilles tendon. Inflammations, remote spurs or even bursitis lead to irritation and severe pain, especially in the area above the heel. The heel is a part of the foot where a high load pressure is applied on a relatively small contact surface.
Strong tendons, and in particular the Achilles tendon as the strongest tendon in the body, help to keep the foot and the leg axis in a vertical position and enable optimal power transmission. When you take a step, the heel is the first part to touch the ground. The Achilles tendon is attached to the heel bone and connects the foot with the calf muscles.
Overloading of the Achilles tendon due to sporting activities or unusual movements as well as incorrect loading due to foot or leg malpositions can lead to inflammatory processes in the area above the heel. The inflammation is accompanied by severe pain and leads to structural changes in the Achilles tendon. The tendon can thin out due to the chronic inflammation and in extreme cases even tear.
Symptoms
The symptoms of pain above the heel can vary greatly depending on whether the pain is acute or chronic. In the case of acute inflammation of the Achilles tendon, there is usually stabbing pain during exertion such as running, jumping and walking. In addition, the area above the heel can swell, be reddened and warmed.
If the inflammation has already become chronic, pain often occurs in the morning during the first steps. This pain often subsides with further movement, but can increase again with more activity or at rest. During the course of the Achilles tendon, certain painful points can sometimes be palpated, and thickening or abrasion of the tendon can also be palpable. If the Achilles tendon is inflamed at the heel bone in particular, pain is felt especially when walking uphill. An inflammation of the bursa usually manifests itself by a strong painful pressure that can be localized very well.
