Plantar Fasciitis vs. Heel Spurs: How to Tell the Difference

What if the heel spur you’re worried about isn’t the real problem, but the inflammation around it is?

Confusing plantar fasciitis and heel spurs is extremely common. In fact, many people with heel spurs have no pain at all, while others experience significant heel pain without any spur present.

Understanding the difference between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs can prevent unnecessary fear, delayed treatment, and even the wrong kind of care.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly what each condition is, how they’re different, and how to know what’s actually causing your heel pain.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from the heel to the toes.

The plantar fascia supports your arch and absorbs shock every time you walk.

When this tissue becomes irritated or overloaded, it can develop small micro-tears. That inflammation is what causes pain.

Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis:

• Sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel

• Pain that is worst with the first steps in the morning

• Discomfort after long periods of sitting

• Pain that improves slightly with movement but returns after activity

  
  

Plantar fasciitis is a soft tissue condition, not a bone problem.

It is one of the most common causes of heel pain, especially in adults who walk frequently, stand for long hours, or wear unsupportive footwear.

What Is a Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a calcium deposit that forms along the underside of the heel bone (calcaneus).

Over time, repetitive strain of the plantar fascia can cause the body to lay down extra bone where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel.

Heel spurs:

• Develop gradually

• Are visible on X-rays

• May be present with or without any pain

  
  

Here’s what often surprises patients:

Many people have heel spurs and never experience symptoms.

In fact, the spur itself usually does not cause pain. The discomfort typically comes from inflammation of the surrounding soft tissue, often plantar fasciitis.

A heel spur is structural. Pain is usually inflammatory.

How to Tell the Difference Between Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs

Because the two conditions often occur together, the symptoms can feel similar. But there are key differences:

Feature	Plantar Fasciitis	Heel Spur
What Is it?	Inflammation of the plantar fascia (soft tissue)	Calcium deposit on the heel bone
Type of Condition	Soft tissue injury	Structural bone growth
Most Common Symptom	Sharp pain with first steps in the morning	Often no pain at all
Location of Pain	Bottom of heel, arch area	May feel similar if inflamed tissue is involved
Visible on X-Ray?	Not usually	Yes
Primary Cause of Pain	Inflammation	Usually inflammation around the spur
Treatment Focus	Reduce inflammation & improve flexibility	Often same conservative treatment

If you’ve been told you have a heel spur, it doesn’t automatically mean that bone growth is the source of your pain.

In many cases, plantar fasciitis is the true cause, even when a spur appears on imaging.

That’s why a proper evaluation matters.

Can You Have Both Plantar Fasciitis and a Heel Spur?

Yes. Chronic strain on the plantar fascia can sometimes lead to heel spur formation over time.

However, even when both are present, inflammation of the plantar fascia is usually the primary source of discomfort.

This is an important distinction, because it influences how treatment should be approached.

Does the Diagnosis Change Treatment?

In most cases, treatment for plantar fasciitis and heel spur-related heel pain is very similar.

The focus is on reducing inflammation, improving flexibility, and correcting biomechanical stress.

Conservative Treatment Options Include:

• Stretching the calf and plantar fascia

• Wearing supportive footwear (even indoors)

• Custom orthotics

• Activity modification

• Physical therapy

• Anti-inflammatory measures

  
  

Advanced therapies may be considered if symptoms persist.

Surgery to remove a heel spur is uncommon and typically only considered when conservative treatments have failed over time.

Understanding the difference between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs helps prevent unnecessary procedures and ensures that treatment targets the real source of pain.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

You should consider an evaluation if:

• Heel pain lasts more than 2–3 weeks

• Pain interferes with walking or work

• Symptoms are worsening

• You experience swelling, redness, or numbness

• Heel pain keeps returning

  
  

For many busy professionals walking daily through Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Flushing, early diagnosis makes treatment simpler and recovery faster.

The sooner the true cause of heel pain is identified, the easier it is to address.

Don’t Let Confusion Delay the Right Treatment

If you’ve been told you have a heel spur, or you suspect plantar fasciitis, clarity is the first step toward relief.

Many patients are relieved to learn that the “bone growth” they feared isn’t actually the source of their pain.

Our podiatry team provides comprehensive heel pain evaluations at all three NYC locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Flushing. We focus on accurate diagnosis and conservative treatment whenever possible, helping you return to comfortable walking without unnecessary surgery.

If your heel pain has persisted or continues to interfere with your daily routine, you can schedule an appointment at the location most convenient for you.

Book online or call our office to find a time that works for your schedule.