If you have heel pain, the most common culprits can be plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. But most people don’t know the difference between these two. While both conditions are closely related, they are not the same. Proper identification can make a difference in your diagnosis or treatment. Learn the difference between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs in the article. Get a consultation with the best Podiatrists in Brooklyn.
Distinguishing Between Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs
Both these conditions are closely related but not the same. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia ligament (a group of strong tissues that supports the foot arch) becomes inflamed or irritated, generally from the base of the heel bone, but sometimes from the arch or sole as well.
Whereas, heel spurs occur when bony growths develop on the heel bone, mostly on the area of the heel that connects with the plantar fascia. It can develop in different shapes and sizes, which can cause long-term strain on the foot.
Causes
Plantar fasciitis generally occurs when repeated activity or excessive pressure is applied to the plantar fascia ligament, which causes strain and leads to micro-tearing of the tissue. Over time, due to tearing, the body’s natural response triggers inflammation, which is the reason for pain and stiffness in plantar fasciitis patients. Usually, certain factors increase the risk of plantar fasciitis, such as:
- Being female
- Athletes, especially runners or jumpers
- Middle-aged or being overweight
- Pregnancy
- People who wear unsupportive or worn-out footwear
- Structural issues like high arches, flat feet, tight calf muscles, etc.
Whereas heel spurs occur when calcium starts depositing on the heel bone in response to chronic strain. Heel spurs may often cause chronic plantar fascia inflammation, which lasts for many months. These deposits also occur at the plantar fascia to support the damaged ligament. It doesn’t develop overnight or in response to acute trauma. Similar factors can also be responsible for causing heel spurs.
Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis causes a sharp, stabbing pain or burning sensation in the heel, in the area of the heel close to the arch, or sometimes in the arch itself, especially in the morning. This pain goes away as the day goes on. Most people don’t experience this pain during exercise, but when they stop, the pain comes back immediately, and typically it is intense.
Whereas heel spurs cause a dull ache that worsens with activity. This pain occurs when a spur physically presses into the surrounding tissues, causing inflammation and pain. This pain may get worse in the morning and stay throughout the day. Usually, it is found that patients with plantar fasciitis don’t have a spur that causes pain. But one particular study found that around half of people with plantar fasciitis also have heel spurs, which are discovered unintentionally on X-rays done for other purposes. Only around 5% of patients with heel spurs experience pain in the heel.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of both conditions is more or less the same. However, doctors ask questions during your physical exam to understand the cause of your symptoms and check your medical history. If the pain is sharp, stabbing pain, and no growth is visible on the foot, it indicates plantar fasciitis. Whereas, with heel spurs, pain is dull and more constant throughout the day. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will perform X-rays or MRIs to understand the damage and the cause of your symptoms.
Treatment
Mostly, both conditions are treated in the same way and don’t require surgical intervention, unless it is a severe case. Untreated plantar fasciitis can turn into the formation of heel spurs, but plantar fasciitis with or without heel spurs is treated the same. Common treatment options are:
- Supportive footwear and orthotics:
Wearing properly cushioned shoes with good arch support will be helpful to redistribute pressure from the heel and offer comfort. If you aren’t buying new shoes, you can consult with your podiatrist to get custom-made orthotics that slip inside the shoes and offer support or control the arch of the foot to relieve pressure from plantar fascia, which gives room to heal.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises:
Your doctor will refer you to a physical therapist to get physical therapy, which involves different stretching and strengthening exercises for your plantar fascia and calf muscle to relieve tension, reduce pain, strengthen the joints and muscles, and improve overall functionality and flexibility. A physical therapist crafts your exercise routine based on your foot condition.
- Shockwave therapy:
It is a new non-invasive treatment that stimulates healing by increasing blood flow and tissue regeneration, which gives pain relief from plantar fasciitis. It is proven effective for significantly improving plantar fasciitis symptoms.
- Rest:
Taking breaks from activities that cause you pain or aggravate your condition promotes healing.
- Ice therapy:
Using ice therapy can help you reduce inflammation and provide therapy relief. Apply cold packs on the affected feet by covering them with a cloth several times a day.
In case conservation treatment doesn’t improve your symptoms, the doctor may recommend surgery or other options like corticosteroid injections. Surgery is usually used to remove or repair the heel spurs to relieve pain, as a last resort.
Both plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are closely resembling conditions, but not the same. Their symptoms and treatment might be similar, but both conditions are caused by different reasons, which makes a difference in their diagnosis and treatment. Plantar fasciitis can turn into heel spurs if left untreated, which requires surgery, whereas plantar fasciitis is mostly manageable with conservation treatments. So, make sure you identify your symptoms to get timely treatment to prevent complications.
Need help with heel pain? Visit our podiatry clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!!! At Doral Health & Wellness, we have Podiatrists with extensive education and expertise. If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your pain, we recommend consulting with our healthcare provider to explore the right treatments or therapies for you. Always listen to your body and adjust your daily routine to prioritize your well-being. Trauma to the tendons, muscles, and bones of the foot is quite common. It’s not a good idea to put off seeing Foot Doctor Brooklyn until you are in a lot of pain. Our address is 1797 Pitkin Avenue, New York, NY 11212. To make an appointment, please call + 1 718 367 2555 or send an email toinfo@doralhw.org.
