heel

The heel is the posterior portion of the foot below the ankle, bearing much of body weight and providing leverage for walking. It includes the calcaneus, surrounding soft tissues, and skin.

The calcaneus is the largest tarsal bone. The Achilles tendon attaches to its posterior surface, formed by the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. The plantar fascia originates from the bottom of the calcaneus and runs forward to the toes, supporting the arch. The heel pad is a thick cushion of fat and tissue beneath the skin that absorbs impact.

During gait, the heel typically contacts the ground first. The subtalar joint allows small rotational movements that adapt to uneven surfaces. The heel helps absorb shock and provides a lever for propulsion during push-off. Blood supply comes from branches of the posterior tibial and peroneal arteries; innervation is via the calcaneal branches of the tibial nerve.

Common conditions affecting the heel include plantar fasciitis, which causes pain under the heel, especially after waking; heel spurs, a bony outgrowth on the calcaneus; Achilles tendinopathy; calcaneal fractures from trauma; Sever's disease in growing children; and fat-pad atrophy.

In footwear, the term heel refers to the raised rear portion of the shoe, especially high-heeled styles. Wearing heels changes gait and posture, increasing forefoot pressure and potentially causing strain in the ankle, knee, and lower back.

In everyday use, the term also appears in dog training as "heel," a command for the animal to walk beside the handler.