Plantar Fasciitis vs. Heel Spurs: Understanding the Difference

Heel pain is a common problem which can affect your ability to stay mobile and active. Two of the main causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, and they are both treated by a podiatrist. You may be wondering what the difference is. Your podiatrist has the answers you need. Dr. James Hurst of Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine in Centreville, VA, provides comprehensive podiatry services, including diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.

What You Need To Know About Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs

Let’s look at plantar fasciitis and heel spurs in more detail. Both of these conditions can cause stabbing pain in your heel. Plantar fasciitis can also cause pain on the side of your foot and into your arch.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue running across your heel. It’s caused by overpronation, or rolling your feet when you walk, or from standing and walking on hard surfaces for long periods. Treatment for plantar fasciitis may include cortisone injections into your heel, orthotics, physical therapy, arch stretches, or night splints. Surgery, involving releasing the fascia may be recommended in extreme cases.

Heel spurs are caused by calcifications which develop on your heel. They can be due to chronic stress and strain on muscles and ligaments. Treatment for heel spurs may include extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) to break up deposits, or surgery, depending on the extent of bone involvement.

Want To Know More About Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs?

To find out more about the difference between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, treatment options for each condition, and how your podiatrist can help with heel pain, call Dr. James Hurst of Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine in Centreville, VA. You can reach him in the office by calling (703) 830-3338, so call today.