Why do my heels hurt?

If you just started a new exercise program, and now your heels hurt -- especially after rest -- it could be plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis often is triggered by a sudden increase in activity or by new shoes.
The problem is small tears and inflammation within the long ligament on the bottom of the foot. There may or may not be a heel spur on the bone, but the real problem is the inflammation in the ligament.