Heel pain can be confusing because it doesn’t always come from the heel itself. In some cases, the problem starts higher up in the body — in the lower back — and travels down the nerve pathways. This is exactly what happens with sciatica.

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve (the body’s longest nerve, running from the lower back down to the feet) gets compressed or irritated. Most people with sciatica describe sharp, radiating pain that shoots from the lower back, through the buttock, down the leg, and sometimes all the way to the foot or heel.

So yes — sciatica can sometimes cause heel pain, especially when the nerve irritation travels to the lower end of the leg. That being said, this type of pain usually feels different from a localized heel issue. It’s often described as burning, tingling, or electric-like, rather than the stabbing or pressure pain many feel directly in the heel.

Why It’s Often Not Sciatica

While sciatica is a real possibility, it’s important to note that the majority of heel pain isn’t nerve-related at all. In fact, research shows that the most common culprit is plantar fasciitis — an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot. Unlike sciatica, plantar fasciitis pain is usually sharpest with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for long periods.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

• Plantar fasciitis accounts for around 80% of heel pain cases.

• Sciatica and other nerve-related causes make up a much smaller percentage.

• An estimated 2 million people in the U.S. alone seek treatment for plantar fasciitis every year.

That means while sciatica is sometimes to blame, statistically your heel pain is far more likely to be plantar fasciitis or another local foot condition.

Take the Guesswork Out of Heel Pain

The tricky part is that heel pain can feel similar no matter the cause. That’s why we created a free self-evaluation to help you quickly understand whether your symptoms line up with plantar fasciitis — the most common heel pain issue.