Heel pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center. Two terms often come up in conversation—plantar fasciitis and heel spurs—and they’re frequently used interchangeably. But while the two conditions are related, they’re not the same. Understanding the difference is the first step toward getting the right treatment and lasting relief.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation or micro-tearing of the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel to your toes. Its job is to support your arch and absorb shock when you walk or run. When this tissue becomes irritated or overloaded—often from overuse, poor footwear, tight calf muscles, or sudden changes in activity—it causes sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first few steps in the morning or after rest.
Plantar fasciitis is a soft tissue problem, not a bone problem. The pain comes from inflammation of the fascia itself, not from a growth on the heel bone.
What Is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur is a small bony outgrowth that can form on the underside of the heel bone (calcaneus). It typically develops over time as a response to chronic tension on the plantar fascia. The bone lays down extra calcium deposits where the fascia pulls on its attachment point, forming a spur-shaped projection visible on X-ray.
Despite the intimidating name, heel spurs themselves rarely cause pain. Many people with visible heel spurs have no symptoms at all. The pain most patients feel actually comes from the inflamed fascia pulling at that attachment point—not from the spur.
The Connection Between the Two
Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs often appear together, which is why they’re so frequently confused. Long-standing plantar fasciitis can lead to the development of a spur, but it’s important to remember that the spur is a result, not a cause. Treating the soft tissue inflammation almost always resolves the pain, even if the spur remains.
Symptoms That Suggest Plantar Fasciitis
- Sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after sitting
- Pain that eases with movement but returns after rest
- Tenderness along the inside of the heel or arch
- Stiffness or tightness in the calf and Achilles tendon
If you’ve been told you have a heel spur on X-ray but your pain pattern matches these symptoms, the underlying problem is still likely plantar fasciitis.
How Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center Treats Heel Pain
At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center in Scarborough, we start with a careful biomechanical assessment to identify the true source of your heel pain. Once we confirm whether it’s plantar fasciitis, a spur, or both, treatment is focused on relieving inflammation, improving flexibility, and supporting the arch to reduce strain.
Our treatment approach may include:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises for the plantar fascia and calf
- Custom orthotics made in-house with the Podiatech or 3D-printed system to restore balance and offload pressure
- Shockwave therapy (radial pulse therapy) to stimulate healing in chronic cases
- Laser therapy to reduce pain and inflammation at the tissue level
- Supportive footwear and simple home modifications
In rare cases where conservative measures fail, minimally invasive options may be discussed, but most patients experience significant improvement with consistent, targeted care.
When to Seek Help
If heel pain lasts more than two weeks, it’s time to get evaluated. The earlier we diagnose plantar fasciitis or rule out other causes, the faster and easier recovery becomes. Ignoring heel pain often leads to compensation in your gait, knee, and back—creating a cycle of chronic discomfort that’s completely avoidable with early treatment.
The Bottom Line
Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs may sound similar, but they’re two different conditions that often coexist. The pain you feel is usually from the fascia, not the spur. With proper diagnosis, personalized treatment, and consistent care, heel pain is highly treatable—and you don’t have to live with it.
Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, PC
23 Spring St., Suite B, Scarborough, Maine 04074
Phone: 207-774-0028
Website: www.lighthousefootandankle.com
