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Heel Anatomy
Heel pain is one of the most conditions I see in clinic and yet there is much debate about the causes of plantar fasciitis and diagnosing the condition.
Anatomy
The skin on the heel is thick which allows for protection when walking and standing. Under the skin is the fat pad which consists of tightly woven muscles fibres. Under the fatty tissue is the plantar fascia which starts at the heel runs along the sole of the foot and attaches to the toes. The plantar fascia is round 2-4 mm thick. A nerve called the medial calcaneal nerve runs along the inside of the heel. The lateral plantar nerve runs along the outer aspect of the heel. Compression of either nerve can cause pain.
