Heel bruising means bruising of the tissue directly beneath the end of the heel bone (calcaneus). It is sometimes called “policeman’s heel”.

The rear of the foot ends in the heel bone, under which there is a layer of heel fat, which acts as a protection and provides some bounce. If this flesh area becomes inflamed, it causes pain and discomfort to the patient and is called heel bruising.

The flesh under the heel, called the plantar fascia, is composed of small compartments of fatty material. Under repeated pressure, these compartments can be broken (either in one event or in many repeated events), sending some of it up the side of the heel. The rest is exposed to too much pressure and the bruising results.

This also means the heel bone is too close to the source of any impact and jarring up the leg bone may also result.

One-off injury or trauma can cause the heel to bruise. This might be for example, landing heavily on one foot or stepping on a stone with considerable force, called stone-bruising.

However, repetitive incidents, such as long-distance running or hurdling, are much more likely to result in bruising of the heel. Runners who land each step heavily on the heel, rather than the ball of the feet will increase their risk of heel bruising.

Some older people, who may have less fat under their heel anyway, may find themselves more likely to suffer this condition.

People suffering from disorders which affect the ability of the blood to clot, or who are taking anticoagulant drugs, may find they are more prone than most to suffer bruising of the heel.

There are many other conditions which may show heel bruising as a side-effect and patients must get expert Orthopedic advice on diagnosis and treatment.