Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are two common culprits behind agonizing heel pain. If you’ve ever experienced heel pain, you know how it can seriously disrupt your daily life, making even simple activities like walking a challenge.
People frequently mix these two conditions, but it’s important to note that they do have some distinct differences. Understanding these differences enables you to promptly receive accurate treatment with the most effective pain management options.
In this article, we will explore the topic of heel spurs vs. plantar fasciitis, looking into their similarities and differences, as well as their common causes. Before we look at the specific differences between heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, let’s briefly look at the heel’s anatomy so we can better understand the structures that are affected by these conditions.
The heel bone plays a vital role in stabilization as it is the foot’s most prominent bone, whereas the plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes.
Having a solid understanding of this foot anatomy will help you understand the concepts we explore in the following sections about how the two disorders of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis impact this area.
Exploring Heel Spurs And Plantar Fasciitis
Now, we can look closer at the specific characteristics of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. The sections below explore how these conditions can uniquely impact your foot health, often leading to the pain and discomfort you may be experiencing.
What Is A Heel Spur?
Heel spurs are bony protrusions that grow on the underside of the heel bone. When there is ongoing inflammation and tension throughout the foot’s soft tissue, including the plantar fascia, it leads to heel spurs developing.
The bony growths can vary in shape and size and do not always cause pain. It is estimated that 38% of the population has heel spurs, with many not even realizing it. However, when heel spurs become painful, it’s usually due to the irritation and inflammation of surrounding tissues.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition causing significant inflammation throughout the thick plantar fascia tissue. This painful condition can cause individuals to experience stabbing or aching sensations at the base of the heel or along the bottom of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis occurs due to repetitive activities that subject the plantar fascia to excessive strain, leading to micro-tears and localized inflammation. These activities include repetitive running, dancing, and everyday movements like prolonged walking.
Understanding the unique nuances of these conditions can become a helpful guide for an accurate diagnosis and uncovering effective management strategies. Let’s explore why these two conditions often get mixed together.
What Are The Similarities Between These Two Conditions?
While we’ve established that heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are two different conditions, they share some common features. To become more familiar with them, let’s look closely at the underlying causes and symptoms.
Causes
Both conditions often develop due to:
- Overuse: Repetitive stress or strain on the feet, such as seen in athletes or those with physically demanding jobs
- Improper footwear: Wearing shoes that lack proper arch support or cushioning or wearing shoes that put your feet at awkward angles, such as high heels or rock climbing shoes
- Age: Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis become more common as we age
- Obesity: Excess weight can increase the level of strain throughout the heel and plantar fascia
Symptoms
The symptoms for both conditions can include:
- Heel pain: Pain is typically felt near the bottom of the heel and is frequently worse in the morning
- Stiffness: Difficulty flexing or moving the foot, especially while waking or after long periods of rest and inactivity
- Tenderness: Increased sensitivity when the bottom of the foot is touched or comes into contact with the ground, shoes, or other objects
- Reduced mobility: Walking or standing for long periods becomes a challenge, potentially impacting simple daily tasks
After exploring these similarities, you might be wondering how you can distinguish between the two conditions. Don’t worry just yet; the next section will clarify the best ways plantar fasciitis and heel spurs can be differentiated.
Differentiating Heel Spurs From Plantar Fasciitis
While their causes and symptoms can be similar, there are a few key differences to help you distinguish between heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.
Firstly, plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, with an estimated 2 million people affected annually. This challenging condition can quickly become very painful, with pronounced heel discomfort, especially in the morning or after sitting still.
Heel spurs, on the other hand, are more likely to go unnoticed. In fact, less than 5% of people with heel spurs experience heel pain. Typically, they become an incidental finding during an X-ray or foot scan for an unrelated condition. While heel spurs are common among those with plantar fasciitis, they are rarely the source of pain. The good news is that you can often treat the pain without removing bony growths.
On the rare occasion that a heel spur is to blame for your heel discomfort, you may notice a distinct lump under the skin, and the jarring sensation tends to be confined to the heel area.
For an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a clinical examination. Aside from examining the affected area, imaging may be recommended. An X-ray can confirm the presence of heel spurs, while an ultrasound may be used to reveal the inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis.
The following section will discuss practical ways to maintain your foot health and avoid unpleasant problems like plantar fasciitis.
Techniques To Maintain Foot Health
It’s beneficial to focus on preventing heel pain and maintaining overall good foot health. Implementing the following strategies might help keep your feet pain-free:
- Wear proper footwear: It is best to avoid wearing old, worn-out shoes. Invest in a pair of shoes that provide adequate arch support and cushioning.
- Stretch and exercise regularly: Try to include daily foot and calf stretches for flexibility and strength to maintain the health of your feet.
- Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle: By achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, your feet will be exposed to less strain daily.
- Pay attention to discomfort: If you experience foot pain or discomfort, such as an ache or pinch, address it promptly. Begin by resting, then try ice and gentle stretching to help alleviate minor discomfort.
- Consult a specialist: If your heel pain becomes an ongoing problem or worsens, seek professional help from your doctor, a podiatrist, or a foot specialist.
You Can Get Relief For The Symptoms You’re Experiencing
If you or someone you care about is experiencing heel pain, it’s understandable that finding relief is a top priority. While simple preventive measures are excellent, it can be challenging to find relief once foot pain and discomfort have set in.
At NextPain Care, we understand how frustrating heel pain can be, and we offer a range of specialized treatment options to help relieve your pain. Our multidisciplinary approach combines tested, non-invasive treatments like physical therapy and mind-body techniques to more advanced options, such as minimally invasive procedures and regenerative medicine.
No matter which condition you may be dealing with, heel spurs or plantar fasciitis, there is always hope for relief. With proper treatment, self-care techniques, and preventive measures, you can keep your feet healthy.
Ease Pain Caused By Heel Spurs And Plantar Fasciitis
Simple daily tasks can become complicated when foot or heel pain is a persistent issue. Constant discomfort can take a toll on your physical and mental health and well-being.
Plantar fasciitis and heel bone spurs, two separate conditions, often share similar causes and symptoms. Most importantly, they both contribute to dreaded foot and heel pain. While plantar fasciitis is more prevalent, it is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis to initiate the proper treatment and help you find relief from the painful symptoms.
With the insights gained from this article, you are now equipped with the fundamental knowledge, beneficial prevention strategies, and an understanding of advanced treatments that can help you find relief from unbearable foot pain.
If you're experiencing foot pain, don't delay – learn about this condition today.
