Plantar Fasciitis vs. Heel Spurs: What's the Difference?
|
|
Time to read 10 min
Two of the most frequent causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Plantar fasciitis affects the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that extends across the bottom of the foot, connecting your heel to the base of your toes. Heel spurs are small bone growths that occur on the underside of your heel bone.
Heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis. However, two conditions are not always connected. They can occur together or separately.
Oftentimes, people are unaware they have a heel spur because they don’t typically cause symptoms. However, it’s very common for plantar fasciitis to cause pain. Proper care is essential for healing and managing discomfort.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation or injury of the plantar fascia, a fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel of the foot to the toe base along the underside of the foot. Most commonly, overuse, overstretching or injury can cause the tissue to tear or become inflamed.
Even subtle activity can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis. Wearing shoes with poor support over prolonged periods can lead to the condition over time. If you have flat feet or high arches, you may also be more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. Your weight, daily activities, exercise routine and age can all contribute to your risk of developing the condition.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis can vary, but the pain is typically felt around the heel or along the underside of your foot. Heel pain is the most common symptom. In some cases, the pain is only in your heel. In other cases, the pain may radiate toward the center of the underside of your foot. Pain from plantar fasciitis is often described as a sharp, stabbing pain. However, people describe the pain as a dull ache. A hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is increased pain when you first stand up in the morning or when you stand after sitting for a long time. The pain may go away when you’re exercising but then return when you move around following periods of inactivity.
What Is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur is a bone spur or bony growth made of excess calcium that forms in your heel. In some cases, you may be able to feel a small lump in the area. Not all bone spurs cause pain, but when they do, it's often due to inflammation in the surrounding area. In some cases, the pain may be caused by plantar fasciitis rather than the bone spurs themselves.
Even though it's common for people to have both plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, it's possible to develop heel spurs without plantar fasciitis. For example, if you injure the tissue around your heel bone, your body may respond by developing bony growths. Heel spurs can also form due to issues associated with your shoes, weight or the way you walk or run.
Plantar Fasciitis vs. Heel Spurs: Key Differences
|
Topic |
Plantar Fasciitis |
Heel Spurs |
|
Definition |
An inflammation or injury of the plantar fascia. |
A bony growth on the heel bone. |
|
Common Symptoms |
|
Many heel spurs produce no symptoms. |
|
Common Causes |
|
|
|
Diagnosis |
|
|
|
Treatment |
|
Treatment is not usually necessary. |
Are Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis Connected?
Heel spurs may develop due to the effects of plantar fasciitis, but this isn’t always the case. Some people develop heel spurs without plantar fasciitis, and plantar fasciitis doesn’t always lead to heel spurs. The two conditions may also be present at the same time for different reasons. Since the two conditions often develop due to similar circumstances, and they often produce similar symptoms, they are commonly confused.
How Can You Tell Whether You Have Plantar Fasciitis or a Heel Spur?
It is not easy to distinguish plantar fasciitis from heel spurs. Some people report intermittent pain with heel spurs whereas the pain from plantar fasciitis may be more constant. In some cases, people can physically feel a bump along the heel, which may indicate the presence of a heel spur. Pain from plantar fasciitis may radiate to other areas of the foot, whereas pain from heel spurs is typically isolated in the heel.
The only way to determine for sure if you have plantar fasciitis or heel spurs is with a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Your provider will likely perform a physical exam, review your medical history and potentially order tests. In some cases, tests may be performed to rule out any other potential conditions. One difference you might notice is that heel spur pain can be more intermittent than plantar fasciitis pain. Plantar fasciitis pain can also radiate up along the base of your foot, following the ligament's path, rather than remaining limited to your heel. And with plantar fasciitis alone, you won't feel any bumps from heel spurs.
How Are Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs Treated?
Healthcare professionals often recommend conservative therapies for plantar fasciitis. These include:
- Rest: Avoid high-impact activities and prolonged time on your feet until the pain subsides.
- Ice: Regular icing can reduce inflammation and pain.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are often used to manage the pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis. You might also consider a topical solution, such as Dr. Scholl’s® Plantar Fasciitis Pain Patches with Hydrogel Technology. The patches deliver pain-relieving medication directly to the source.
- Stretching and massage: Regular massage and stretching exercises can be used to help reduce discomfort.
- Shoe inserts: Insoles and orthotics designed for plantar fasciitis pain can help provide critical support and reduce impacts that can lead to pain. Dr. Scholl's® Advanced Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Orthotic Insoles are a superior orthotic designed to address some of the most common causes of foot pain, including plantar fasciitis.
- Night splints and boots: In some cases, a night splint or boot is recommended to maintain a gentle stretch on the plantar fascia, helping to reduce morning pain. You might also consider Dr. Scholl's® Plantar Fasciitis & Achy Feet Relief Arch Support Sleeve. It can be worn during the day or at night to help minimize pain.
- Physical therapy: Some healthcare professionals recommend physical therapist-led stretches and exercises for plantar fasciitis.
For rare cases of plantar fasciitis that cause extreme pain and don’t respond to more conservative treatments, steroid injections or surgery may be recommended.
Heel spurs often produce no symptoms at all, and they don't typically require treatment. When they do cause pain, recommended treatment is usually similar to that of plantar fasciitis.
In rare cases, surgical removal is recommended.
When to See a Healthcare Professional for Heel Pain
If you have heel pain that worsens or doesn’t get better after trying at-home remedies, see your healthcare provider. There are many potential causes of foot pain. Once you have an official diagnosis, your provider can devise a treatment plan to set you on the road to recovery.
Heel Spurs & Plantar Fasciitis FAQs
Can you have both plantar fasciitis and heel spurs at the same time?
Yes, you can have both plantar fasciitis and heel spurs at the same time. The two conditions are often associated because they may develop due to similar circumstances. They can also produce similar symptoms. However, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs can occur independently. In some cases, heel spurs develop as a result of the strain caused by plantar fasciitis, while in other cases they form for unrelated reasons. A healthcare professional can perform a physical exam and tests to make a diagnosis.
What does plantar fasciitis pain feel like compared to heel spur pain?
Plantar fasciitis pain can be common to heel spur pain. Plantar fasciitis pain is typically described as a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or along the underside of the foot. In some cases, the pain presents as a dull ache. The pain is often most intense when you first stand up in the morning or after sitting for extended periods. It may also increase after exercise or prolonged standing. Heel spur pain, when present, is usually localized to the heel area and may feel like a sharp pain when walking or running on hard surfaces. However, heel spurs do not always cause symptoms.
How do doctors diagnose the difference between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs?
Healthcare professionals typically diagnose plantar fasciitis and heel spurs through a combination of physical examination, medical history review and imaging tests. During a physical exam, your provider will likely check for tenderness, swelling and any noticeable bumps on your heel. They will also likely ask about your symptoms, activity level and footwear. To confirm the presence of heel spurs, imaging tests, such as X-rays, may be required. Plantar fasciitis can often be diagnosed based on symptoms and physical examination alone. Imaging may be ordered to rule out other conditions.
Do heel spurs always cause pain?
No, heel spurs do not always cause pain. Many people have heel spurs and are completely unaware because they have no symptoms. In some cases, the pain attributed to a heel spur may actually be caused by plantar fasciitis or another condition. If you have a heel spur that causes no discomfort, treatment is typically not necessary.
What are the main risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis?
The main risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis include wearing shoes with poor support, excess weight, overtraining or engaging in repetitive high-impact activities, having flat feet or high arches, and advanced age. Daily activities and exercise routines that place excessive stress on the plantar fascia can also increase your risk. People who spend prolonged periods on their feet, such as teachers, nurses and retail workers, may be more susceptible to the condition. Even subtle changes in activity or footwear can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis over time.
Can plantar fasciitis lead to the development of heel spurs?
Yes, plantar fasciitis can lead to the development of heel spurs in some cases. When the plantar fascia is repeatedly strained or inflamed, the body may respond by depositing calcium on the heel bone. This does not always occur, however. Some people with plantar fasciitis never develop heel spurs, and some people develop heel spurs without ever having plantar fasciitis.
What are the most effective at-home treatments for plantar fasciitis?
The most effective at-home treatments for plantar fasciitis include rest, ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, stretching and massage, and the use of supportive shoe inserts or orthotics. Avoiding high-impact activities and prolonged standing can help promote healing. Regular icing may help reduce inflammation and pain. Stretching exercises and massage can improve flexibility and reduce discomfort. Insoles designed for plantar fasciitis provide critical support and cushioning. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful for addressing discomfort and in some cases, inflammation. Consistency with these conservative therapies often leads to significant improvement over time.
When should I see a doctor for heel pain?
You should see a healthcare professional for heel pain if the discomfort worsens, doesn't improve after several weeks of at-home treatment or interferes with your daily activities. If the pain is severe, accompanied by swelling, redness or warmth, or if you have difficulty walking, seek medical attention promptly. A proper diagnosis is important because many conditions can cause heel pain, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, stress fractures and other foot conditions and disorders. Once your provider identifies the underlying cause, they can recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Is surgery ever required for plantar fasciitis or heel spurs?
Surgery is rarely required for plantar fasciitis or heel spurs and is typically considered only when conservative treatments fail to provide relief after an extended period. For plantar fasciitis, surgery may involve releasing part of the plantar fascia or removing damaged tissue. For heel spurs, surgical removal may be recommended if the bony growth causes persistent pain that does not respond to other therapies. In most cases of both plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, the condition will improve with rest, ice, physical therapy, stretching, supportive footwear and orthotics.
Can changing my footwear help with plantar fasciitis or heel spur pain?
Yes, changing your footwear may significantly help with plantar fasciitis and heel spur pain. Shoes with proper arch support, cushioning and a supportive heel cup may reduce stress on the plantar fascia and heel. Avoid shoes with thin soles, inadequate arch support or worn-out cushioning, as these can worsen symptoms. In addition to supportive shoes, using insoles or orthotics designed for plantar fasciitis can provide targeted relief and help reduce the risk of further injury. Proper footwear is one of the most important factors in both managing existing pain and minimizing the chance of future episodes.
Additional Resources
Gina Brock
Gina Brock is a seasoned copywriter, editor and content strategist with over 20 years of experience leading high-performing content production in the health and wellness space. As a healthy lifestyle advocate and former fitness instructor, she leverages her knowledge and experience to shape impactful content that resonates with wellness audiences. Gina is also a published novelist.