Are Heel Spurs And Plantar Fasciitis The Same Thing?
Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are two different conditions that often get jumbled together. The truth is that plantar fasciitis can lead to heel spurs, but these conditions are not the same. Heel spurs develop from calcium deposits that accumulate at the heel of the foot. These deposits become painful bone spurs. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a nerve located at the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. Do these conditions require foot surgery?

How will I know if I need surgery?
Before recommending surgery, doctors will most likely suggest some non-invasive measures like ice therapy, shoe inserts, or physical therapy. If these treatments do not work, then surgery could be the next option. Doctors can either opt to perform surgery on the plantar fascia or remove the heel spur. Now, doctors rarely remove heel spurs unless the spur is causing the patient severe pain. If doctors perform surgery, technology has made minimally invasive procedures more common. Surgeons will make a few small incisions and use an endoscope to remove the growth.
What causes heel spurs or plantar fasciitis?
Usually, heel spurs are caused by physical activity that puts excessive force on the heels of the foot like running, jogging, or difficulty walking. However, other issues like obesity or poorly fitted shoes can also lead to the development of heel spurs. Plantar fasciitis can also result from obesity and increased physical activity. Other reasons for plantar fasciitis include:
- A naturally occurring high arch in the foot
- Tight Achilles tendons
- Flat feet
- Wearing high heels frequently
- Standing on the feet for hours per day
- Being between 40 -60 years old
Diagnosing foot conditions
To diagnose a patient with heel spurs or plantar fasciitis, doctors must first perform diagnostic tests. The provider will order x-rays and MRIs of the foot to see any abnormal growths or fractures that could be the cause of foot pain.
What is plantar fascia release?
Plantar fascia release is a surgical procedure that requires doctors to cut a portion of the plantar fascia and shave down the bone near the ligament to promote healing. Sometimes, doctors also remove heel spurs during this surgery. Doctors either perform open surgery, which requires a large incision or endoscopic surgery, which is less invasive.
Should I talk to my doctor about surgery?
Patients experiencing foot pain should speak to a healthcare provider to learn more about heel spurs and receive a proper diagnosis. A healthcare provider will be able to refer the patient to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss surgery if that is a logical next step.
Recent Posts
Getting Pain Relief: Benefits From The Placement Of A Permanent Neurostimulator
A permanent placement of neurostimulator is effective in managing chronic pain. The device provides pain relief and improved quality of life.
Why The Best Podiatrists Recommend Rapid Tendon Repair Surgery
A tendon injury that needs surgery can take months to heal. A podiatrist-recommended rapid tendon repair can speed up the recovery timeline.
Ankle Stabilization Surgery: Can This Procedure Treat Instability While Preventing Further Injury?
People with ankle instability can fear injury. Ankle stabilization surgery is proven to secure the joint, and improve improve function.
Meniscal Repair: Can This Minimally Invasive Procedure Help Avoid Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is common for pain and stiffness. However, some patients can avoid replacement with meniscal repair.
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
Recent Posts
Getting Pain Relief: Benefits From The Placement Of A Permanent Neurostimulator
A permanent placement of neurostimulator is effective in managing chronic pain. The device provides pain relief and improved quality of life.
Why The Best Podiatrists Recommend Rapid Tendon Repair Surgery
A tendon injury that needs surgery can take months to heal. A podiatrist-recommended rapid tendon repair can speed up the recovery timeline.
Ankle Stabilization Surgery: Can This Procedure Treat Instability While Preventing Further Injury?
People with ankle instability can fear injury. Ankle stabilization surgery is proven to secure the joint, and improve improve function.
Meniscal Repair: Can This Minimally Invasive Procedure Help Avoid Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is common for pain and stiffness. However, some patients can avoid replacement with meniscal repair.