4. Nerve Problems
The blood sugar disorder, diabetes, is well known for causing issues with the nervous system that lead to peripheral neuropathy, resulting in a wide variety of health issues – including heel pain.
However, the most common cause of nerve-related heel pain comes from the condition known as “tarsal tunnel syndrome.” The posterior tibial nerve extends down the calve, splitting into different webs of nerves that travel around the ankle and foot.
When the nerve enters the ankle, it passes through an area known as the “tarsal tunnel.” People with fallen arches, (flatfeet,) may experience pinching or entrapment of this nerve as it enters the tunnel. Pain symptoms are the most common symptom of Tarsal tunnel syndrome, but the condition also produces numbness or tingling in the heel as well.
Treatment for tarsal tunnel syndrome includes physiotherapy to free the nerve, as well as painkillers and NSAIDs to manage symptoms of pain and inflammation in the heel.