What Is the Difference Between Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis in Causes Symptoms and Treatment
As we all know it has always been advised to wear supportive or proper fitting shoes. But do you know why? Have you ever thought about what happens if we wear unsupportive or improperly fitting shoes? Well, this may lead to various conditions such as heel spur or plantar fasciitis. Do you know what these conditions are? Let's learn about heel spur and plantar fasciitis in this article.
What is a Spur?
A spur is a condition in which there is a bony outgrowth on the bottom of a person's foot. In this condition, calcium deposits between the heel and arch of the foot. The spur may be deposited in the plantar part known as the plantar spur and cause plantar pain.
Heel Spur in The Foot
Heel Spur Symptoms
The following are a few common symptoms of heel spur.
Inflammation and swelling may be there in the front part of the heel.
Sharp pain in the heel when standing up.
Heat radiating from the injured area.
Point of tenderness at the bottom of the heel.
Difficulty in walking.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is made of two words: plantar and fasciitis. Plantar is for the foot and fasciitis means inflammation of the fascia (muscle). Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which there is degeneration or inflammation of the band of tissues at the bottom of the foot running from the heel to the toes. It is also called the policeman's heel.
Plantar Fasciitis in The Foot
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Given below are some commonly identified symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
An inflamed heel
Tight Achilles tendon (Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the heel bone to the calf muscle).
Pain increases after the exercise.
Pain on the bottom part of the heel.
Heel pain may be for months.
Pain is worse when standing after a long time of sitting.
Pain may be getting worse in the morning.
Causes of Heel Spur and Plantar Fasciitis
There are many causes of the heel spur and plantar fasciitis. Some of the causes are given below.
Obese people have a high risk
High arched or flat feet
Standing for a prolonged period
Exercise on a hard surface
Exercise without stretching the calf muscle
Athletes have a high risk of developing these types of disease
Wearing poorly fitted or badly with shoes
Diabetic person
Treatment of Heel Spur and Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar calcaneal spur treatment includes:
Stretching exercise
Physical therapy
Orthopaedic device
Night splints
Applying ice can prevent or reduce inflammation and pain
Pain medication such as ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.
Surgeries include the removal of fascia or removal of a spur
The treatment for plantar fasciitis is the same as a heel spur.
Difference between Heel Spur and Plantar Fasciitis
Important Questions
Q1. What aggravates heel spur?
Ans: Various factors can aggravate heel spur such as jumping on a hard surface, wearing unsupportive shoes, and repetitive stress from walking or running.
Q2. How to treat a heel spur?
Ans: Anti Inflammatory medications, exercise, orthopaedic devices, and cortisone injections can help treat a heel spur.
Q3. What can dissolve the bone spur?
Ans: Tenex is a technology that can dissolve some of the small and medium-sized bone spurs.
Q4. What is a heel?
Ans: The heel is the back part of the human feet. It is part of the feet below the ankle.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed what heel spur and plantar fasciitis are as well as their symptoms and treatments. A heel spur is calcium deposition in the heel bone, whereas plantar fasciitis is a degenerative condition of the fascia of the bottom of the foot. Symptoms include heel pain or pain in the bottom of the foot and swelling. These are curable with medicine in most conditions but may require surgery in severe cases.
Practice Questions
Q1. What is the Achilles tendon?
Q2. Is walking good for the heel spur?
Q3. Write the main causes of plantar fasciitis.
Q4. Which vitamin is good for heel spur?
FAQs on Heel Spurs vs Plantar Fasciitis Differences Explained
1. What is the difference between heel spurs and plantar fasciitis?
The main difference between heel spurs and plantar fasciitis is that a heel spur is a bony growth on the heel bone, while plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament.
- Heel spur: A calcium deposit forming a pointed bony outgrowth on the calcaneus (heel bone).
- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation or microtears of the plantar fascia, the thick connective tissue supporting the arch.
- Plantar fasciitis causes pain due to tissue inflammation, while heel spurs may or may not cause pain.
2. What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the toes and supports the foot arch.
- Caused by repetitive strain or overuse.
- Leads to microtears in the fascia.
- Common symptom: sharp heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning.
3. What is a heel spur?
A heel spur is a bony outgrowth formed by calcium deposits on the underside of the calcaneus (heel bone).
- Develops gradually due to long-term stress on foot ligaments and muscles.
- Often associated with chronic plantar fasciitis.
- May be visible on an X-ray but does not always cause pain.
4. Can you have a heel spur without plantar fasciitis?
Yes, you can have a heel spur without plantar fasciitis because heel spurs may form without causing inflammation or pain.
- Many heel spurs are found incidentally on X-rays.
- Pain occurs only if surrounding soft tissues become irritated.
- Not all people with heel spurs experience symptoms.
5. Does plantar fasciitis cause heel spurs?
Chronic plantar fasciitis can contribute to the formation of heel spurs due to repeated tension at the fascia’s attachment to the heel bone.
- Continuous pulling on the calcaneus stimulates calcium deposition.
- The body forms extra bone as a protective response.
- Not all cases of plantar fasciitis lead to heel spurs.
6. What are the symptoms of heel spurs vs plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis typically causes sharp morning heel pain, while heel spurs may cause localized heel tenderness or no symptoms at all.
- Plantar fasciitis: Stabbing pain during first steps after rest, arch stiffness.
- Heel spur: Dull ache, inflammation at the heel base, or asymptomatic.
- Both conditions may worsen with prolonged standing or walking.
7. How are heel spurs and plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
Heel spurs are diagnosed using imaging like X-rays, while plantar fasciitis is mainly diagnosed through clinical examination and symptoms.
- X-ray: Detects bony projections of heel spurs.
- Physical exam: Identifies tenderness along the plantar fascia.
- Ultrasound or MRI: May confirm fascia thickening or inflammation.
8. What causes heel spurs and plantar fasciitis?
Both heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are caused by repetitive stress and strain on the foot structures.
- Excessive running or standing.
- Obesity increasing pressure on the heel.
- Flat feet or high arches affecting biomechanics.
- Improper footwear lacking arch support.
9. Which is more painful: heel spurs or plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is generally more painful than heel spurs because it involves active inflammation of connective tissue.
- Inflamed plantar fascia produces sharp, stabbing pain.
- Heel spurs may remain painless unless surrounding tissue is irritated.
- Morning pain is more characteristic of plantar fasciitis.
10. How are heel spurs and plantar fasciitis treated?
Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are primarily treated with conservative measures that reduce stress and inflammation in the foot.
- Rest and activity modification.
- Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.
- Supportive footwear or orthotic inserts.
- Anti-inflammatory medications if needed.
