Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis: Are They the Same Condition?

Many people use heel spurs and plantar fasciitis interchangeably, but they're distinct conditions that require different care. That’s because, while both cause stabbing heel discomfort, each affects a different part of your foot's anatomy.  

At Cascade Foot & Ankle, Dr. Jared Clegg and Natalie Park, MSN, FNP, help patients find relief from debilitating foot & ankle pain. We proudly serve patients at our offices in Nephi, Utah, Provo, Utah, and Delta, Utah.

Here’s a look at the differences between heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, and how our team can help you get back on your feet without pain.

Difference between heel spurs and plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the irritation and wear of the thick band of tissue (fascia) that supports your arch. A heel spur is a bony growth that develops on the heel bone. 

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS, 2024), the plantar fascia is almost always the actual source of pain, not the bone spur itself. In fact, a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH, 2023) showed that 64.12% of patients with symptomatic plantar fasciitis had a concurrent heel spur, compared to only 19.08% of pain-free individuals. This means you can have a heel spur without any pain, or severe pain without any spur at all. 

Why do heel spurs and plantar fasciitis occur together?

Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis often occur together because they are both caused by chronic, repetitive strain on your foot. When the plantar fascia is constantly pulled and stretched, your body tries to protect the bone by depositing calcium at the attachment point, eventually forming a spur. 

This bony growth is your body's way of reinforcing a stressed area. It's a secondary symptom of long-term tension, not the original cause of your discomfort. Because of this, our treatment plans focus on relieving soft-tissue tension rather than surgically removing the bone spur.

Treating heel spurs and plantar fasciitis

At Cascade Foot & Ankle, we treat plantar fasciitis and heel pain with conservative therapies that relieve soft-tissue tension and restore mobility. We start with a thorough evaluation and then develop personalized treatment plans to address the root cause of your discomfort. 

We often recommend custom orthotics, dedicated stretching routines, and physical therapy to support your arch. If conservative treatments don't resolve the issue, our team can discuss advanced options, keeping foot & ankle surgery as a carefully considered last resort.

You don't have to live with daily heel pain. If you're struggling with pain from heel spurs or plantar fasciitis, our team at Cascade Foot & Ankle is here to help. 

Please contact our team today to schedule an appointment at our Nephi, Provo, or Delta office, and let's get you back to pain-free movement.