- and are related but different conditions
- Most is caused by , not
- Many people have with no symptoms at all
- Treatment focuses on the underlying inflammation, not the spur itself
The Confusion: Why These Conditions Get Mixed Up
Walk into any podiatry office complaining of , and you might hear both "" and "" mentioned. Are they the same thing? Different problems? Related somehow?
The truth is, these conditions are closely connected but distinct. Understanding the difference helps you get the right treatment—and realistic expectations for rep>
At Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute, we clear up this confusion daily. Here's what you need to know.
What Is ?
is inflammation of the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. This tissue supports your arch and acts like a shock absorber with every step.
When the plantar fascia becomes irritated, strained, or develops small tears, you experience pain—typically at the bottom of the heel. It's the most common cause of , affecting about 2 million Americans each year.
Classic Symptoms
- Sharp, stabbing pain with the first steps in the morning
- Pain after (not during) exercise
- Pain after standing up from sitting
- Pain that improves with movement, then worsens with prolonged ali>
- Tenderness at the bottom of the heel
For a complete overview, see our Comprehensive Guide.
What Is a ?
A (calcaneal spur) is a bony protrusion that forms on the underside of the heel bone. It develops when calcium deposits build up over time, typically at the point where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel.
grow slowly, often over many months or years. They can extend forward toward your toes by up to half an inch.
The Surprising Truth About
Here's what catches most people off guard: often cause no symptoms at all.
Studies show that about 10-15% of the general population has , but most never experience any . In fact, are frequently discovered by accident on X-rays taken for other reasons.
How Are They Connected?
and are related, but in a way that surprises many people:
can cause —not the other way around.Here's how it works:
- Repeated strain and inflammation of the plantar fascia causes micro-tears at its attachment to the heel bone
- The body tries to repair this damage by laying down extra bone (calcium deposits)
- Over time, this extra bone growth becomes a
So a is often a result of chronic , not the cause of your pain. The spur itself is rarely the source of symptoms.
If the Spur Isn't Causing Pain, What
The pain most peocomes from:
- Inflammation of the plantar fascia at its insertion point
- Soft tissue irritation around the fascia attachment
- Nerve irritation in the heel area (in some cases)
This is why removing a surgically doesn't always relieve pain—and why treating the inflammation () usually does.
When Do Cause Symptoms?
While most are painless, they can sometimes contribute to symptoms:
- Large spurs may irritate surrounding soft tissue
- Spurs with rough edges can dig into the fat pad or fascia
- Spurs combined with other conditions (nerve entrapment, fat pad atrophy) may create a more complex pain picture
If conservative treatment for doesn't work, your podiatrist may evaluate whether the spur itself is contributing to your problem.
Diagnosis: Telling Them Apart
At Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute, we use several methods to diagnose :
Physical Examination
We'll check for tendong the plantar fascia and heel, assess your gait, and test range of motion. The location and pattern of pain help distinguish between conditions.
X-rays
show up clearly on X-rays. However, seeing a spur doesn't mean it's causing your pain—remember, many spurs are asymptomatic.
Ultrasound
Diagnostic ultrasound lets us visualize the plantar fascia in real time. We can see thickening, tears, and inflammation that X-rays miss.
MRI
For complex cases or when surgery is considered, MRI provides detailed images of soft tissue structures.
Treatment: A Unified Approach
Here's good news: since and are related, similar treatments work for both.
Conservative Treatments (Start Here)
Rest and activity modification: Reduce activities that aggravate symptoms. Ice: Apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times daily. Stretching: Calf and plantar fascia stretches are essential. Consistent stretching often brings significant relief. Proper footwear: Supportive shoes with cushioned heels protect the plantar fascia. Custom orthotics: These provide personalized arch support and redistribute pressure away from the painful area. Night splints: Keeping the foot in a stretched position overnight reduces morning pain. NSAIDs: Anti-inflammatory medications help control inflammation.Advanced Treatments
When conservative care isn't enough:
Shockwave therapy: Acoustic waves stimulate healing and reduce pain. Very effective for chronic . Corticosteroid injections: Reduce inflammation quickly, though benefits may be temporary. PRP therapy: Platelet-rich plasma injections promote natural healing. MLS laser therapy: Reduces inflammation and accelerates tissue repair.Surgery (Last Resort)
Surgery is rarely needed. When conservative treatment fails after 6-12 months, options include:
Plantar fascia release: Partially cutting the plantar fascia to relieve tension. Spur removal: Removing the bony growth, typically combined with fascia release.Success rates for surgery are good, but it's reserved for severe, unresponsive cases.
Prevention Tips
Whether you've had before or want to avoid it:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Extra pounds increase stress on the plantar fascia
- Wear supportive shoes: Avoid flat, unsupportive footwear
- Replace worn-out shoes: Athletic shoes lose cushioning over time
- Stretch regularly: Daily calf and plantar fascia stretches keep tissues flexible
- Progress gradually: Increase exercise intensity slowly
- Don't ignore pain: Early treatment prevents chronic problems
The Bottom Line
If you have , it's almost certainly not the spur itself causing the problem. The pain comes from inflammation and strain of the plantar fascia—and that's treatable.
Don't let confusing terminology delay your care. At Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute, we focus on finding the true source of your pain and creating a treatment plan that works.
📞 Schedule an appointment with our Orlando podiatrists and get to the bottom of your .