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Plantar Fasciitis vs Heel Spur Know the Difference, Find the Right Treatment
If you’re dealing with persistent heel pain, you’ve likely heard of plantar fasciitis vs heel spur. While these conditions are closely related, they are not the same—and misdiagnosing one for the other can delay healing. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Michigan, Dr. Biernacki helps patients identify the root cause of their discomfort and recommends personalized treatment options. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, common symptoms, and how to treat both effectively.
Plantar Fasciitis vs Heel Spur: Can’t Walk from Heel Pain? When to Get Relief, Support & Surgery Explained
Are you struggling with heel pain and wondering what’s really going on? In this video, we’ll review some of the most common questions patients ask about plantar fasciitis vs heel spur. What’s the actual difference between these two conditions? While both cause heel pain, they stem from different issues—plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue, while a heel spur is a calcium deposit on the heel bone. Understanding which one you have is the first step toward finding lasting relief.
How long have you had plantar fasciitis? If it’s been weeks or even months, and the pain isn’t going away, it may be time to re-evaluate your treatment approach. We’ll talk about when heel pain becomes chronic, when relief typically happens, and whether surgery might be necessary. Many people wait too long or assume it will go away on its own—especially those who say, “my plantar fasciitis is so bad I can’t walk.” That’s a red flag that your feet may not be getting the support they need.
Are you supporting your feet properly? We’ll go over the importance of footwear, orthotics, stretching, and other supportive care techniques. Plus, we’ll cover other related foot issues you might be overlooking. Whether you’re wondering about recovery time, non-surgical options, or just trying to figure out what plantar fasciitis is—this video has the answers you need.
Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/6kFBwwZNmR8
Plantar Fasciitis vs Heel Spur – Which is More Painful?
When it comes to heel pain, most people assume a heel spur is to blame—but in reality, plantar fasciitis is usually the more painful condition. Plantar fasciitis causes inflammation of the thick ligament that supports your arch, and the pain is often described as a sharp, stabbing sensation, especially during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. The discomfort can become so intense that walking becomes difficult, especially without proper treatment or support.
On the other hand, a heel spur is a bony growth that develops over time and is often painless by itself. In fact, many people with heel spurs don’t even know they have one unless it shows up on an X-ray. If a heel spur causes pain, it’s usually because it’s irritating surrounding soft tissues—but even then, the inflammation from plantar fasciitis tends to produce more severe and persistent discomfort. For accurate diagnosis and relief, it’s best to consult a specialist like Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Michigan.
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7 Key Differences Between Plantar Fasciitis vs Heel Spur
1. Cause of Pain
Plantar Fasciitis: Caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament.
Heel Spur: Caused by a calcium deposit (bone growth) on the heel bone, often due to chronic strain.
2. Pain Location
Plantar Fasciitis: Pain is typically under the heel and may stretch into the arch.
Heel Spur: Pain is more focused at a specific spot on the heel bone.
3. Pain Timing
Plantar Fasciitis: Sharp pain first thing in the morning or after resting.
Heel Spur: Pain may be constant or increase with activity but isn’t always present in the morning.
4. Imaging Diagnosis
Plantar Fasciitis: Usually diagnosed based on symptoms and physical exam.
Heel Spur: Often visible on X-ray as a bony protrusion on the heel.
5. Symptom Duration
Plantar Fasciitis: Can fluctuate with activity, stretching, or support.
Heel Spur: Pain often persists over a longer period and may worsen without intervention.
6. Treatment Approach
Plantar Fasciitis: Focuses on reducing inflammation, stretching, orthotics, and physical therapy.
Heel Spur: May require additional treatments like padding, injections, or even surgery if conservative options fail.
7. Surgery Needs
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Plantar Fasciitis: Rarely needs surgery; most cases resolve with non-invasive care.
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Heel Spur: In chronic or severe cases, surgical removal may be considered.
While plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are closely related and often occur together, they are distinct conditions with different causes and treatment paths. Plantar fasciitis is a soft tissue issue involving inflammation of the fascia, while a heel spur is a bony growth that may or may not cause pain. Proper diagnosis—ideally by a foot specialist like Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Michigan—is essential to target the root cause of your heel pain and ensure the most effective treatment plan. Whether you’re dealing with chronic discomfort or struggling to walk, relief is possible with the right care and support.
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DISCLAIMER:
Dr. Tomasz Biernacki received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine in 2013; he completed his Surgical Reconstructive Foot Surgery & Podiatric Medicine Residency in 2017; he completed 2x traveling Fellowships in Diabetic Surgery, Skin Grafting & Nerve Surgery. He is double board certified in Podiatric Medicine and Foot & Ankle Surgery.
Dr. Biernacki is a licensed podiatrist & surgeon in Michigan. This video should not be used to self-diagnose and is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Biernacki and you. It would be best to not change your health regimen or diet before consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam & diagnosis.
Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
Frequently Asked Questions: Plantar Fasciitis vs Heel Spur
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament, often due to overuse or poor foot support. A heel spur is a bony growth on the heel bone, usually formed from long-term stress or chronic inflammation like that caused by plantar fasciitis.
Yes, it’s very common. A heel spur often develops as a result of long-standing plantar fasciitis. However, not everyone with a heel spur will feel pain—it’s usually the inflamed ligament that causes the discomfort.
The only way to confirm a heel spur is through X-rays. Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed through symptoms and a physical exam. Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Michigan uses both methods to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Not necessarily. Pain severity varies by individual. In many cases, the heel pain people associate with a spur is actually caused by plantar fasciitis. Some heel spurs are completely painless.
Treatment typically starts conservatively—with rest, ice, custom orthotics, stretching, and physical therapy. If those fail, options like steroid injections or minimally invasive procedures may be considered.
If your heel pain lasts more than 2–3 weeks or limits your ability to walk, it’s time to see a podiatrist. Dr. Biernacki can help determine if you have plantar fasciitis, a heel spur, or both—and guide you toward relief.
Surgery is usually a last resort for both conditions. For plantar fasciitis, it involves releasing part of the fascia. For heel spurs, the bony growth may be removed. Most patients improve with non-surgical treatments guided by a specialist.
