Heel pain is common. It can come from several different problems:
* Changes in the heel pad. The heel is padded with a shock absorbing cushion. When this cushion thins with age, or overuse, even standing or walking can be painful.
* In young people, ages 7-10, heel pain may come from wearing hard shoes or "cleats."
* Tendonitis. The tendon that attaches to the muscle that lifts us to our toes is called the Achilles tendon. Excessive exercise or exercise without proper stretching can cause inflammation leading to pain.

What causes most of these problems? It is a combination of factors that wear out or overuse the structures:
* ill fitting shoes,
* overweight,
* too much standing or walking (especially on hard surfaces) ,
* not preparing for exercise by stretching and gradually building up activity over time, or
* something wrong with the way the bones line up.

When your heel hurts, try:
* anti-inflammatory medication, like aspirin or ibuprofen,
* a "donut" pad with the hole over your sore area,
* ice applied to the sore area, and
* limit your standing or walking until the pain goes away.

Wearing good, supportive footwear is the most important measure to prevent heel pain. Stay in shape. Stretch the backs of your legs before any activity and repeat stretches throughout the day if you continue to stand or walk.

Some diseases can lead to heel pain. Fractures and other significant injuries will cause pain. If you have diabetes, other vascular problems or rheumatoid arthritis you should pay special attention to your feet. If heel pain does not respond to self-care, then seek medical care.

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