Discomfort can arise from various conditions affecting the calcaneus (heel bone) or the surrounding soft tissues. Heel pain may be caused by a fractured calcaneus, the presence of a spur (a bony growth on the heel bone), inflammation of the fluid-filled pad cushioning the back of the heel, or inflammation of the tissues at the bottom of the heel known as plantar fasciitis. In some cases, plantar fasciitis can be associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Furthermore, walking long distances or wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to painful blisters and discomfort on the skin overlying the heel.