Heel Spurs vs. PLANTAR FASCIITIS
What exactly are heel spurs and plantar fasciitis? While similar to one another, they have a couple distinct differences: Heel spurs are calcium deposits that grow on the bottom of the heel. They can cause bone-like protrusions that stick out of the flat underside of the heel, causing soreness or pain. Many people will describe the feeling of heel spurs as “a pin sticking into their heel,” typically with peak pain occurring in the morning and gradually slowing throughout the rest of the day. However, heel spurs can also be painless – some people only notice them due to inflammation and x-ray evidence. If you notice swelling, pain, or protrusions at your heel sites, make sure you consult with a doctor immediately. Plantar fasciitis, also colloquially referred to as “policeman’s heel,” is a bit different. It can either develop on its own or as a symptomatic response to heel spurs. It is an inflammation of the “plantar fascia,” which is a long tissue at the bottom of your feet that connects from the heel bone to the toes. Because of the range of tissue, you may feel pain or soreness in your heel, toes, or the entirety of your foot’s underside. People with plantar fasciitis also report their peak pain occurring in the morning, describing it as a “stabbing pain” that seems to alleviate with mobility as the day progresses. It is also important to contact a doctor if you notice swelling or pain at the bottom of your foot, as it may be a sign of plantar fasciitis, and could be a symptom of heel spurs. How do these form? Like many physical ailments, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis typically form from physical exertion. A lot of people tend to notice them when they are engaging in physical activity more often than usual, or when they are spending an abnormal amount of time on their feet compared to their average daily routine. Some common causes of heel spurs include: • Excessive amounts of walking, jogging, or running, especially on hard surfaces. • Changes or irregularities in walking gait, especially in which unusual amounts Some common causes of plantar fasciitis include: • Spending the whole day, or excessive amounts of the day, on one’s feet; especially when it is out of the ordinary for that person. • Having either very flat or very high arches on the bottom of one’s feet. • Participating in short bursts of physical activity, especially when being followed by extended periods of rest. • Diabetes. • The coming of increased age, thus decreasing the flexibility of the plantar fascia tissue, and thinning the padding of the heel. of stress are placed on the heel. • Significant weight gain or obesity. • Poorly fitted shoes, especially those lacking arch support.
How we can help: Physical therapy is a common treatment for both heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. The pain can be treated through stretching exercises, taping of the painful area, and massage. Your physical therapist may also suggest night splints, shoe inserts, or a podiatric-specific shoe brand. Alternative treatments, such as Tylenol or Advil, can also be used in conjunction with physical therapy, if pain persists. In extreme cases, a surgical procedure can be conducted to remove a spur or release the inflammation of the plantar fascia; however, 90% of people respond well to physical therapy treatments alone, without the need for surgery. So, if you begin to notice pain in your heel or foot as you run around preparing for dinner, shoveling mounds of snow, or any other strenuous activity that this winter season will inevitably permit, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We can help alleviate any pain that you might experience.
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