Calcaneal Pain: A Review of Various Disorders

The heel is a common site of foot pain. However, determining the etiology of the pain requires performing a careful history, and a specific biomechanical and musculoskeletal examination supplemented with appropriate radiological and laboratory tests. The etiology of calcaneal pain is commonly related to enthesopathy, arthritic conditions, entrapment of foot nerves, dysfunction of soft tissues, and bony stress syndromes. Treatment of calcaneal pain is directed at establishing appropriate balance of the musculoskeletal system in the lower leg, developing an activity or training program that controls mechanical stresses, providing an environment where the pericalcaneal tissue can heal, and (when appropriate) altering plantar contact or biomechanical function of the foot with foot orthotic devices. J Ortho Sports Phys Ther 1987;9(1):25-32.