There are several types of heel pain treatment available depending on the cause and severity of the pain. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons for heel pain. This is pain that is caused by inflammation in the tendons along the plantar fascia, sometimes caused by an imbalance of weight on the foot, or sometimes by a calcification on the heel called a bone spur. Since this can be a mechanical source of pain, often the treatment involves using specially designed shoes or insoles that force the foot into alignment to relieve the improperly placed pressure that causes the inflammation. Alternately, pain medication might be prescribed if the condition is a result of a minor fracture, along with a cast or brace. A heel spur, which sometimes accompanies plantar fasciitis, is a small bone growth called a calcification on the heel that causes pain by protruding into the nerves. Sometimes this pain can be relieved with insoles, but in cases where the calcification has grown to a significant size, surgery might be the only heel pain treatment available. The surgery involves using a tool to either grind the spur down, or a type of surgical clamp to actually break the spur off of the heel. Posterior heel pain is a situation where the pain is located along the back of the heel. This can result from inflammation of the Achilles tendon behind the foot, a bone spur, or a condition called tarsal tunnel syndrome. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when bones in the foot compress the posterior tibial nerve, causing pain. Different heel pain treatment is available for posterior heel pain, including rest, pain reliving medication, or in the case of tarsal tunnel syndrome, possibly a type of surgery called a tarsal tunnel release, where the posterior tibial nerve is maneuvered to a location with less pressure. There are some general types of heel pain treatment that can be applied across many situations. Cortisone injections at the location of the pain can reduce inflammation and provide some relief, although this is often temporary. Rest is frequently prescribed since a fairly minor problem causing heel pain could be exacerbated with strenuous use. Finally, daily exercise or physical therapy can help to reduce inflammation and teach the body to move in a way that prevents future problems.