Heel Spur or Plantar Fasciitis?

Heel pain can strike at any time and be crippling, so it’s no wonder millions of Americans seek treatment for the condition each year. Without prompt care, underlying inflammation can worsen, affecting your mobility and quality of life. 

At Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates, located in Mission Viejo, California, and serving patients throughout South Orange County, our board-certified podiatrists provide complete care for heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. This blog explores the two conditions and explains how to tell the difference based on your symptoms.

Heel spurs vs. plantar fasciitis: A comparison

Most heel pain occurs due to plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. Although both conditions present with similar symptoms, they aren’t the same.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs under your foot and connects the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia supports the arch of your foot, helps absorb shock, and plays a vital role in walking.

Plantar fasciitis typically affects athletes, runners, and other active people, but anyone can experience the condition.

Heel spurs

Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the underside of the heel bone. They occur when the muscles and ligaments in your feet experience general wear-and-tear due to walking, running, or wearing ill-fitting shoes.

As with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs don’t just affect athletes. They can develop in anyone who spends most of the day on their feet.

How can I tell the difference between heel spurs and plantar fasciitis?

Now that you know what plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are, let’s take a closer look at how their symptoms differ.

Location of pain

Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis both cause heel pain, but the location and severity often vary. For example, people with bone spurs often report intense pain in or directly around the heel bone when they first wake up, which turns into a dull ache as the day progresses. 

Those with plantar fasciitis, on the other hand, often report sharp, stabbing pain that extends from the heel into the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis pain typically worsens after periods of sitting or lying down.

When the pain occurs

Plantar fasciitis pain is typically worse in the morning when you wake up or after an intense workout. The pain often subsides within minutes of getting out of bed and walking.

Heel spur pain is also more noticeable in the morning, but tends to come and go throughout the day. If you have heel spurs, you might notice the pain significantly worsens during activities like running, jumping, and playing sports.

Other telltale signs

Try stretching your foot if you’re still unsure of what’s causing your heel pain. If you have plantar fasciitis, a simple stretch may trigger sharp pain that extends from your heel to the ball of your foot.

If you suspect heel spurs, carefully run your fingers across the bottom of your foot, feeling for abnormal bumps or protrusions. If there’s a noticeable growth on the bottom of your heel, it’s likely a heel spur.

When to seek professional help for heel pain

Mild cases of heel pain often improve with rest, ice, and activity changes. But if your symptoms last more than a few days, affect your mobility, and occur alongside redness, swelling, or bruising, contact our team immediately. Heel pain usually worsens over time, so identifying the cause is crucial.

Your partner in podiatry care

Don’t let heel pain keep you from your favorite activities. Book a consultation with one of the experienced board-certified podiatrists at Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates. Call the office at 949-364-2525, or request an appointment online.