We’ve written so many articles about heel pain that we’re starting to think your heels deserve their own newsletter.
But there’s a reason for that: heel pain is incredibly common… and often misunderstood.
Some people are told they have a heel spur. Others hear the term plantar fasciitis. Most aren’t sure what the difference is or which one is actually causing the problem.
Let’s clear things up.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is irritation or inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports your arch and connects your heel to your toes.
It’s the leading cause of heel pain we see in patients.
Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis:
- Sharp or aching pain in the bottom of the heel
- Pain after periods of rest or inactivity
- Discomfort that may improve with movement, then return later
- Tightness along the arch of the foot
Why plantar fasciitis develops:
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon
- Flat feet or high arches
- Unsupportive footwear
- Long periods of standing or increased activity
In most cases of ongoing heel pain, plantar fasciitis is the primary driver.
What Is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur is a small bony growth that forms on the heel bone over time.
It develops where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel, but here’s what surprises most people: Heel spurs often don’t cause any pain at all.
They’re commonly found on X-rays, even in people with no symptoms.
When heel spurs are symptomatic:
- Pain may feel more localized to one spot
- It can feel like stepping on something hard
- Symptoms often overlap with plantar fasciitis
Why Plantar Fasciitis Gets Blamed on Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are easy to see on imaging. Plantar fasciitis is not.
So when a spur shows up on an X-ray, it’s tempting to assume it’s the cause of the pain—but that’s often not the case.
In reality:
- Many people have heel spurs with no pain
- Many people have plantar fasciitis without a spur
- Some have both, but the plantar fasciitis is what’s actually causing symptoms
That’s why treatment usually focuses on plantar fasciitis, not removing the spur.
How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis
The good news: plantar fasciitis is highly treatable, especially when addressed early.
Start with:
- Supportive shoes (even indoors!)
- Daily calf and arch stretching
- Avoiding barefoot walking on hard floors
- Icing after activity
If symptoms persist:
Our podiatrists can provide:
- Custom orthotics
- Structured treatment plans
- Anti-inflammatory care
- Advanced therapies for chronic plantar fasciitis
Call us if you need us!
It’s time to get checked if:
- Your heel pain lasts more than a few weeks
- Symptoms are getting worse
- You’ve changed how you walk to avoid pain
When in doubt, please never hesitate to make an appointment with us. If heel pain is interfering with your day, don’t wait it out.
