Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis vs. Heel Spur : What's The Difference?

Do you experience pain in your heel after waking up in the morning and walking a few steps? You might wonder what is causing that pain. Could it be a heel spur or plantar fasciitis? Read on to learn more!

Plantar Fasciitis vs. Heel Spur : The Difference

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons for heel pain, affecting about 2 million people in the US. The plantar fascia is a long, thin ligament at the bottom of the foot. It connects the heel to the front section of the foot and supports the arch.

This ligament absorbs the pressure in the foot as we walk, run, jump, and engage in sports. Excess pressure can sometimes cause damage which results in pain and inflammation.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis 

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis may include -

1. A stinging pain at the bottom of the foot or near the heel in the morning
2. Discomfort when stretching the foot
3. Increased pain after a workout or activity

A heel spur is a calcium deposit on the heel bone. It is a smooth growth that develops over time. They are usually painless but may cause pain and loss of motion under extreme conditions. 

Heel spurs form as a result of plantar fasciitis that continues over a long period of time. Although heel spurs are associated with heel pain, these spurs rarely cause discomfort. The actual reason for pain is plantar fasciitis.

Excess calcium build-up on the heel is one of the main causes of a heel spur. They are often also caused by a strain of the foot muscles and ligament, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repetitive tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. 

Symptoms of Heel Spur 

Heel spur symptoms may include -

1. Difficulty walking barefoot
2. Inflammation and swelling in the front section of the foot
3. Dull ache throughout the day
4. Sharp pain in the heel after standing up in the morning or after rest

The Risk Factors 

While the causes of both conditions are almost similar, the likelihood of developing one or the other can vary. The risk factors of plantar fasciitis are - increased activity, repetitive high-impact activity, tight calf muscles, obesity, flat foot or high arch, and or standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time.

Similarly, the risk factors of a heel spur include - 

• Walking abnormalities that place higher strain on the heel bone, ligament, and nerves
• Running or jogging on hard surfaces
• Poor-fitting shoes that do not have proper arch support
• Excess weight and obesity

Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spur

In most cases, the recommended treatment for both conditions is the same, beginning with non-surgical treatments. Surgery may be necessary if the condition does not improve.

The non-surgical treatment methods are as follows:

1. Rest - The first and foremost method of reducing pain is to stop or limit activities that cause pain. It could be playing a sport, running, jogging, or standing on a hard surface for a long time. Taking a break from these would significantly bring relief.

2. Ice - Applying an ice pack or a cold water bottle to the affected area for 20 minutes three to four times a day reduces blood flow and eases inflammation.

3. The right shoes - Wear shoes that are appropriate for the activity you plan to do, like running shoes if you plan to run, hiking shoes if you plan to hike, etc. Thick soles and cushions can reduce pain when you walk or stand. Foot inserts and heel pads are also good alternatives for foot support.

4. Foot stretching and exercises - Tight muscles in the feet and calves aggravate heel pain. Exercises like calf stretches and plantar fascia stretches are simple to perform, release tension in the tissues and muscles, and increase the range of motion in the affected area.

5. Night Splints - Most people have their feet pointing down while sleeping. This relaxes the plantar fascia and causes morning pain. A night splint keeps the plantar fascia stretched as you sleep and reduces morning heel pain and soreness.

Some products that might help treat plantar fasciitis and heel spur

HPFY carries a host of products that can help you treat these conditions. Some of our bestsellers are:

Debilitating pain in the heel is not a great way to start the day. Even though the pain may disappear after a while, it is never a good idea to let it go on for a long time without finding the cause. Remember, if you have pain in your heel or foot, it is really important to rest, apply an ice pack to the affected area, and avoid standing or walking for too long. Visit your doctor if the pain persists. 

 

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