Plantar fasciitis or heel spurs: What’s the real cause of your heel pain?

If you’re one of the many people who suffers from heel pain, you may be wondering what’s causing it. Is it plantar fasciitis or heel spurs? In this post, we’ll take a look at the real causes of heel pain and how to treat it. Stay tuned!

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot.

It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes.

Plantar fasciitis is a common problem, particularly for runners and other athletes. It can also be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit well or that put pressure on the heel and foot.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis generally includes rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe physical therapy or injections of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Plantar fasciitis surgery is rarely needed. Untreated plantar fasciitis can lead to other critical conditions.

Symptoms & Causes:

Plantar fasciitis symptoms are many. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel or bottom of the foot.

The plantar fasciitis pain is usually worse when you first get up in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time.

It may improve after you walk around for a bit, but it will probably come back later in the day. The pain may be dull or sharp, and it may be worse with activity.

You may also have stiffness or tightness in the bottom of your foot.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. The plantar fascia helps support the arch of your foot and absorbs shock as you walk.

Heel spurs

Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the heel bone. They can be very painful, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time.

Heel spur pain can arise due to repetitive stress on the heel bone, such as from activities like running or dancing.

Symptoms & Causes:

Heel spurs can cause a sharp pain in the heel or the arch of the foot. The pain is usually worse when you first get up in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time.

You may also have stiffness or tightness in the bottom of your foot due to these bone spurs.

There are a number of different things that can contribute to the development of heel spur syndrome. One of the most common is over-pronation, which is when your foot rolls too far inward when you walk.

This puts extra stress on your heel bone, and can eventually lead to the formation of a spur.

Other possible causes include arthritis, being overweight, and wearing shoes that don’t fit properly or offer enough support.

If you’re experience heel pain, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any other potential problems.

Once a diagnosis of heel spurs is made, there are a number of treatment options available.

Other causes of Heel Pain

Some other common causes of stabbing heel pain include:

Achilles tendinitis:

Achilles tendinitis is a condition in which the Achilles tendon, the large rope-like muscle that connects the calf to the heel bone, becomes inflamed and irritated.

This condition can cause severe heel pain that may make it difficult to walk or even stand.

Achilles tendinitis is often caused by overuse of the Achilles tendon, such as during running or other sports.

Treatment for Achilles tendinitis typically includes rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. Surgery is rarely needed.

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction:

Some common symptoms of this condition include: pain and swelling along the inside of the ankle and foot, difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time, and pain that gets worse with activity.

If you think you may have posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, it’s important to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition, but may include: rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications.

In some cases, physical therapy or surgery may be necessary. Taking care of your feet and ankles is important to help prevent this condition from developing or becoming worse.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition, but may include: rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Stress fractures:

Heel pain is a common problem that can have a number of different causes. One potential cause of heel pain is a stress fracture.

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in the bone that can occur when there is too much force placed on the bone.

The most common cause of heel pain from a stress fracture is overuse, such as from running or other high-impact activities.

Symptoms of a stress fracture in the heel may include pain that gets worse with activity and is relieved by rest, tenderness to touch, swelling, and bruising.

If you think you may have a stress fracture in your heel, it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment for a stress fracture usually involves rest and avoiding activities that put stress on the heel.

In some cases, you may need to wear a walking boot or use crutches. Surgery is rarely needed for a stress fracture of the heel.

Reactive arthritis:

Reactive arthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body.

The infection triggers the immune system, which in turn causes inflammation and pain in the joints.

Reactive arthritis most commonly affects the knees, ankles, and feet. Heel pain is a common symptom of reactive arthritis, and can be quite debilitating.

Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying problem.

Bone cysts:

Bone cysts are small, round, fluid-filled sacs that form on or near the bones.

While they most often occur in the long bones of the arms and legs, they can also form in the heel bone.

Bone cysts can cause pain and tenderness when they press on nerves or other tissues.

Treatment typically involves draining the cyst and may also include steroid injections or surgery.

Gout:

Heel pain is a common symptom of gout, a form of arthritis that affects the joints.

The pain is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, which can cause inflammation and swelling.

Treatment for gout typically involves medications to reduce the pain and inflammation, as well as lifestyle changes to prevent future attacks.

If you’re experiencing heel pain, see your doctor to get a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Neurological conditions:

There are many neurological conditions that can cause heel pain. Examples include nerve entrapment syndromes (such as tarsal tunnel syndrome), peripheral neuropathy, and radiculopathy.

These conditions can cause pain in the heel due to compression or irritation of the nerves in the area. Treatment for these conditions typically involves rest, shoe inserts, ice, and pain relief medication.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the nerves.