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Plantar fasciitis (say PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus) is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed). Then your heel or the bottom of your foot hurts when you stand or walk.
There are many causes of heel pain and many types of heel pain, but two common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Tight calf muscles generate excess stress and pull on the Achilles tendon resulting in pain at the insertion of the tendon on the heel bone, or a few inches above this area.