Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs: How Are They Linked?

Plantar fasciitis commonly causes heel pain in adults in the United States. But, pain symptoms aren’t all you need to worry about if you develop plantar fasciitis. You could also end up with incurable heel spurs, a type of bony growth that forms below the back of your heel bone as a result of stress on your feet associated with this condition.

Experienced podiatrist Dr. Leonard Greenwald works with his patients to ensure their feet stay healthy and pain-free, reducing risks of foot deformities. Dr. Greenwald sees new and existing patients from around the San Jose, California, area.

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, Dr. Greenwald recommends treatments to help with your symptoms, as well as reducing your risk of heel spurs. Here’s what you need to know about the connection between these two podiatric conditions.

Suffering from plantar fasciitis?

Each of your feet contains a plantar fascia, a ligament connecting your heel with the ball of your foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this area of your foot suffers from overuse or stress, resulting in inflammation or even tearing of your ligament.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in adults. The pain symptoms of this condition typically feel like a stabbing pain in your heel that can come and go, often easing after walking and worsening after sitting.

You’re more likely to develop plantar fasciitis as you get older and your body becomes more vulnerable to stress-related damage. High arches also increase your risk of this issue affecting you at some point in your life.

Plantar fasciitis and your risk for heel spurs

While heel pain is never fun, plantar fasciitis usually responds well to treatment. But, if you develop an associated heel spur, you should know that it will always be a part of your physiology going forward. Heel spurs can only be removed with surgery, which is not typically recommended for this condition. Here’s what you need to know.

Heel spurs develop in response to stress on your feet’s ligaments. The bottom of your heel grows a protruding spur where your heel and plantar fascia ligament connect. You may not realize that you have a heel spur until you get professional podiatry treatment for heel pain.

To identify heel spurs, Dr. Greenwald examines your painful foot and reviews your health history. X-rays can confirm your diagnosis of heel spurs.

Heel spurs, once formed, are basically permanent. They can be removed surgically, but this is rarely done, as treating the underlying plantar fasciitis problem commonly resolves associated symptoms. If you suffer from symptoms related to heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, Dr. Greenwald recommends nonsurgical treatment options to improve your condition.

You can reduce your risk of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs by making sure your footwear adequately supports your feet and choosing low-impact activities when possible. Healthy weight loss can also help take pressure off your feet, reducing your risk of podiatry problems.

For expert advice, diagnosis, and treatment of issues like heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs, get in touch with Dr. Greenwald today. Schedule your initial consultation appointment online or over the phone.