What is the difference between a heel spur and plantar fasciitis?

A heel spur is a calcium deposit, or bony growth, on the heel bone, while plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. The two conditions are closely related and often occur together.

Do all heel spurs cause pain?

No. Many heel spurs are painless and are only discovered incidentally on an X-ray taken for another reason. Pain typically occurs only when inflammation develops around the spur.

How are heel spurs treated?

Treatment often starts with rest, stretching, supportive shoes or orthotics, and anti-inflammatory measures. A podiatrist can recommend additional options if conservative care does not relieve your pain.

Can heel spurs be prevented?

Wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes appropriate for your activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive impact on hard surfaces can all help reduce your risk of developing heel spurs.

Heel Spurs: Causes & Treatment | Choice Podiatry Center

Heel spurs are a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone, formed by calcium deposits, and are often linked to heel pain and commonly associated with plantar fasciitis. While related, these are distinct conditions: plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, while a heel spur is an actual calcium deposit on the heel bone itself.

What Causes Heel Spurs?

Heel spurs develop from repetitive stress on the heel, often due to running, jumping, or standing for long periods, and are most common in athletes whose sports involve a lot of running and jumping. Risk factors for developing heel spurs include:

Running or jogging on hard surfaces
Being overweight or obese
Wearing poorly fitting shoes
Having gait abnormalities
Older age, as heel spurs and related pain can intensify over time

Symptoms

It is possible to have a heel spur without ever noticing symptoms. However, if inflammation develops where the spur has formed, you may experience sharp pain while walking or running, particularly with the first steps in the morning. As someone walks, their entire body weight is concentrated through the feet, and bone spurs can affect surrounding bones and soft tissue, causing the area to become tender and sensitive over time.

Diagnosis

Sometimes a podiatrist can diagnose a heel spur simply from a patient's description of sharp, localized heel pain. In other cases, an X-ray may be needed to confirm the presence of a heel spur and rule out other causes of heel pain.

Treatment for Heel Spurs

There are a variety of treatment options for people with heel spurs, including:

Rest and orthotic inserts to alleviate pressure and promote healing
Stretching exercises and physical therapy
Shoe inserts or custom orthotics designed to redistribute pressure
Taping and strapping to rest stressed muscles and tendons
Medication to reduce pain and inflammation
In persistent cases, additional interventions as recommended by your podiatrist

Preventing Heel Spurs

Heel spurs can often be prevented by wearing well-fitting shoes with shock-absorbent soles, choosing the right shoe for your activity (for example, not wearing walking shoes for running), and maintaining a healthy weight to avoid placing excess pressure on the ligaments of the foot.

If you have persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can provide a tailored approach to management and advanced care for your condition. If you have heel pain that lasts longer than a month, don't hesitate to seek help. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office located in Marietta, GA.

Request an appointment with Choice Podiatry Center to determine which treatment option is best for you.