Heel Spurs

Are plantar fasciitis and heel spurs the same?

Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis often occur together, but they aren’t the same thing. 

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis occurs when your plantar fascia becomes irritated due to overuse or general wear-and-tear.

Heel spurs 

Heel spurs are bony growths that form on your heel bone due to stress and inflammation.

Many people with heel spurs also have plantar fasciitis, but they can form due to structural abnormalities (like high arches) or because of your gait (the way you walk).

What are the symptoms of heel spurs?

Heel spur symptoms include:

• Sharp pain in your heel
• A dull aching sensation
• Inflammation and swelling around your heel
• Heat radiating from your heel

Depending on the heel spur's size, you might notice a bump or bony protrusion on the side or bottom of your heel.

What causes heel spurs?

Heel spurs form because of excess pressure on the ligaments and tendons in your foot. If you have an abnormal gait or an underlying problem, like plantar fasciitis, it puts stress on these soft tissues. Your body responds to this stress by forming a heel spur. 

How does a podiatrist diagnose heel spurs?

Your Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your heel. They look for redness and swelling and gently press on your heel to check for noticeable bumps or lumps. 

Some heel spurs are easy to see, but your provider might order X-rays to get a closer look at your heel bone and to check for bony growths. 

How do foot and ankle specialists treat heel spurs?

The Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute team treats heel spurs using a conservative and evidence-based approach. They might suggest:

• Resting your heel
• Icing your heel
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Wearing more supportive shoes
• Custom orthotics

Your provider might recommend surgery to remove the heel spur if you have plantar fasciitis that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments. 

Do heel spurs go away?

Heel spurs don’t go away on their own. But in most cases, they don’t cause pain or other problems, so you might not even realize you have one. Still, your provider might recommend surgery if the heel spur affects your mobility or keeps you from activities like work and exercise.

Call the nearest Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute office today to schedule treatment for heel spurs, or book your appointment online.