When the thick band of tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia) becomes inflamed, individuals experience chronic pain in the heal that comes in and out throughout the day. High stress activities, foot mechanics and lifestyle can cause stabbing pain on the bottom of your foot throughout the day. Ignoring plantar fasciitis may result in chronic heel pain that hinders your regular activities and may lead to foot, knee, hip or back problems.

Achilles tendonitis is an ankle injury provoked by landing hard on the feet after jumping, using the toes to raise the body and running up and down a court or field. Tendons may become irritated and inflamed from overuse, resulting in pain, redness and swelling of the ankle. Other reasons an athlete might suffer Achilles tendinitis include compromised muscles and reduced calf flexibility due to unsuitable footwear and extreme foot pronation. Because the Achilles tendon connects major calf muscles to the heel bone, stiff calf muscles may influence how much pressure is placed on the Achilles tendon.