Plantar Fasciitis vs Heel Spur
Spurs Aren't the Cause
For decades, heel spurs (bony outgrowths on the heel bone) were blamed for causing heel pain. We now know that the spur itself is rarely the cause of the pain. The pain comes from the inflammation and degeneration of the plantar fascia ligament (plantar fasciitis).
What the Evidence Says
Imaging studies have shown that many people with zero heel pain have heel spurs, and many people with severe plantar fasciitis have no spurs at all. The spur is likely a consequence of long-term tension rather than the source of the sharp pain.
References
- McMillan et al., J Foot Ankle Res 2012 (2012). Heel spurs are often present in asymptomatic individuals and are not the primary cause of pain. PubMed / DOI ↗ (n=321)
⚕️ Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If your heel pain persists beyond 6 weeks, please consult a licensed podiatrist or physiotherapist.
From Our Tests
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