There are numerous condtions that affect the heel creating pain and discomfort and even stop you from doing the activites that you love. The Plantar fascia and Achilles Tendon are both bands of thick fibrous connective tissue that connect to the heel, when strained in an adult they can develop micro-tearing at the attachement points which creates pain and discomfort around the heel.

In children there is a soft growth plate on either side of the Plantar fascia and Achilles which becomes inflammed when strained.