Heel Pain

Heel Pain, Heel Spurs & Plantar Fasciitis

Are you experiencing heel pain and not sure if it's due to heel spurs or plantar fasciitis? Heel spurs are bony growths on the heel bone that may or may not cause pain, depending on their size and location. On the other hand, plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the ligament in the foot, resulting in sharp heel pain.


While some people with plantar fasciitis may also have heel spurs, the two conditions are unique and can occur independently of each other.

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Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Interested in how to treat plantar fasciitis? Dealing with plantar fasciitis can be tough, but the great news is that many people can start feeling better within just a few months by trying out some easy treatment options. Simple things like gently icing the sore spot, doing some light stretching, and steering clear of activities that make it hurt can all play a big part in helping you heal.


If you're looking for some relief from the pain and inflammation, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen can be helpful. Additionally, seeking out therapies like physical therapy or using special devices can also provide some relief. These treatments may include exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, wearing night splints, using orthotic arch supports, or even temporary aids like walking boots, canes, or crutches.


In some cases, more conservative measures may not be enough to alleviate the pain. At that point, injections, shock wave therapy, ultrasonic tissue repair, or even surgery may be recommended. These options can provide more targeted relief for chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn't responded well to other treatments.

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis can range from dull to sharp discomfort, aching or burning on the sole of your foot and swelling in your heel. Typically, the pain is more noticeable in the morning when you're taking those first few steps, after standing or sitting for a long time, or after a strenuous activity. If this sounds like what you're going through, it’s time to contact your local foot specialist at Pinnacle Podiatry.


Plantar Fasciitis Exercises

Here are some simple exercises you can do to help stretch and strengthen your feet.

Toe Curls With Towel

Place a small towel on the floor and curl it toward you using only your toes. Relax and repeat 10 times, 1-2 times per day.

Toe Extension

Sit with your foot crossed over the other and stretch your toes and ankle upwards as far as possible. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat for 2-3 minutes, 2-4 times per day.

Calf Stretch on a Step

Stand with your foot on a step and let your heel lower to feel the stretch in your calf. Hold for 45 seconds, 2-3 times. Repeat 4-6 times per day.

Standing Calf Stretch

Stand with your feet pointing straight ahead and feel the stretch in your calf muscle. Hold for 45 seconds, 2-3 times. Repeat 4-6 times per day.

Towel Stretch

Sit with your leg straight out and use a towel to gently stretch your calf muscle. Hold for 45 seconds, 2-3 times. Repeat 4-6 times per day.

Ice Massage Arch Roll

Roll your foot back and forth over a frozen can or bottle to reduce pain. Repeat for 3-5 minutes, 2 times per day.

Plantar Fasciitis Causes

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition caused by factors like tight calf muscles, flat feet, or high arches. 


  • Tight calf muscles can put extra strain on your Achilles tendon, leading to discomfort in your heel and foot. 
  • Flat feet are another cause of plantar fasciitis as no arch support can lead to excessive stretching and strain on the plantar fascia. This is why using orthotics with arch support can help treat plantar fasciitis caused by flat feet.
  • High arches can also play a role in developing plantar fasciitis. They change the way weight is distributed on your foot, putting more pressure on the plantar fascia and potentially causing inflammation and pain in your heel and foot arch.

Heel Spur Treatment

Have you ever experienced heel pain or know someone who has? It can be really uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. One common cause of heel pain is a heel spur, which is a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. This usually happens due to inflammation and strain on the ligaments in the foot.



Having heel spurs that are fractured means they will need treatment like any other fracture. If heel spurs are not causing any symptoms, usually no treatment is needed.


Treatment for heel spur pain usually involves a mix of these treatments. Surgery is uncommon, but the main goal is to relieve pain and swelling and prevent any further issues from developing.

Options for treating heel pain and heel spurs may include:


  • Taking a break from activities that make the pain worse.
  • Using ice to reduce swelling.
  • Use tape or straps to support the foot.
  • Doing exercises to stretch and strengthen the foot, such as calf stretches, plantar fascia stretches, towel curls, and toe stretches.
  • Choosing the right footwear and using orthotic inserts in shoes for support.
  • Having shock wave therapy to help with healing.
  • Trying dry needling.
  • Getting corticosteroid injections for severe pain and swelling.
  • Considering surgery (only in rare cases).

FAQS

Here are answers to some common questions about heel pain. 

  • What causes heel pain?

    Heel pain can be caused by a variety of factors, such as being overweight, wearing shoes that don't fit properly, running or jumping on hard surfaces, walking unusually, getting injured, or having certain medical conditions. One common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the ligament that goes from the heel to the toes and is often a result of overstretching.

  • What is Plantar Fasciitis?

    Have you ever experienced heel pain that feels like a stabbing sensation when you take your first steps in the morning? You may be dealing with plantar fasciitis, a common condition that involves inflammation of the tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes. Many individuals with plantar fasciitis find that the pain decreases as they start moving, but may return after standing for long periods or sitting for a while. Although the exact cause of this condition is not fully understood, it is more prevalent among runners and those who carry excess weight.

  • What causes Plantar Fasciitis?

    Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of your foot that is involved in walking and other foot movements. There are several reasons why someone may develop plantar fasciitis, such as the type of shoes they wear, the shape of their foot, overusing their feet, or walking on certain surfaces. The most common sign of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel.


  • How long does Plantar Fasciitis last?

    Having plantar fasciitis can be a painful experience, but the good news is that most people can recover within a few months by following some simple treatment methods. Things like icing the sore area, doing gentle stretches, and avoiding activities that cause discomfort can all help in the healing process.

  • Can I get insoles for Plantar Fasciitis?

    Yes absolutely!  Using custom orthotics can help with plantar fasciitis.

  • What’s the difference between heel spurs and plantar fasciitis heel pain?

    Ever experienced heel pain? It could be due to either heel spurs or plantar fasciitis. Contrary to popular belief, these two conditions have different causes. Heel spurs are bony growths on the heel bone. However, whether they cause pain or not depends on their size and location.

    Meanwhile, plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia ligament becomes inflamed, leading to sharp heel pain. So, if you're dealing with heel discomfort, it's essential to understand the differences between these conditions to get the right treatment.

  • Can heel spurs go away on their own?

    Heel spurs usually don't disappear by themselves, but they typically don't cause the majority of heel pain. Treatment usually involves addressing the root causes and easing discomfort rather than directly removing the spur. It's crucial to get an accurate diagnosis of heel pain so that treatment can target the specific source of discomfort. If you’re experiencing heel pain, book an appointment with Pinnacle Podiatry.