Understanding the Difference Between Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs
Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are often confused, but they’re different conditions. Plantar Fasciitis is Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes. It’s caused by repeated strain and micro-tears in this tissue. Heel spurs, on the other hand, are bony growths on the underside of the heel bone. Plantar fasciitis can develop quickly, but heel spurs form slowly over time.
With Plantar Fasciitis you’ll feel sharp pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel, usually worse in the morning. The pain often improves with activity but returns after long periods of inactivity or standing. We typically diagnose plantar fasciitis based on your symptoms and a biomechancial assessment. Surprisingly, heel spurs may cause no symptoms at all. When they do hurt, it’s usually a consistent pain in one spot on the heel. Unlike plantar fasciitis, heel spurs show up on X-rays.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis focuses on reducing inflammation, while heel spur treatment aims to reduce pressure on the affected area. Surgery is rarely needed for plantar fasciitis, but large, painful heel spurs might require it if other treatments don’t work.
Diagnosis of Heel Spurs
Not all heel spurs cause pain, and not all heel pain comes from visible spurs. At The Lower Limb Clinic, we use a thorough, multi-step approach to diagnose heel spurs and identify the root cause of your heel pain.
Our process begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms. When did your pain start? What makes it better or worse? How does it affect your daily activities? Your answers give clues about the nature and potential causes of your heel pain.
Next, we perform a biomechanical assessment. We check for tender areas, swelling, and visible deformities. Then we do a gait analysis. By observing you walk, we can assess your gait and foot mechanics, revealing potential stress points and functional issues.
Sometimes X-rays or diagnostic ultrasound is needed to show up any calcium deposits that form spurs. We also consider your risk factors for heel spurs, including age, weight, foot structure, and activity level.
Our goal is to pinpoint the exact cause of your heel pain. What seems like heel spur pain could be plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, or even a stress fracture. By combining your history, physical examination, imaging, and risk assessment, we create a complete picture of your foot health so we can develop the most effective treatment plan for you.
Heel Spur Treatment Options at The Lower Limb Clinic
Conservative Treatments
Our first approach to heel spur treatment includes:
Orthotic Therapy: High-quality foot orthoses custom-made in our on-site lab with a 48hr turnaround time. Our orthotics redistribute pressure away from the spur, provide arch support and are comfortable for every day use.
Footwear Recommendations: We’ll guide you in choosing supportive footwear with proper arch support, cushioning, and shock absorption. This often includes shoes with an elevated heel to reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
Targeted Exercises and General Podiatry: We prescribe specific stretches and exercises to strengthen foot muscles and improve flexibility. These might include:
- Calf stretches
- Plantar fascia stretches
- Towel curls for foot muscle strength
- Ice bottle rolls for pain relief
Anti-inflammatory Medications: We may recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, we might prescribe stronger medications.
Advanced Treatment Options
For persistent heel spur pain, we offer:
Injection Therapy: Corticosteroid injections to target inflammation directly. This can provide significant short-term relief, allowing other treatments to work more effectively.
Dry Needling: This technique involves inserting thin needles into trigger points in your muscles. It can help release tight muscles, improve blood flow, and promote healing.
Ultrasound Therapy: We use sound waves to decrease pain and inflammation. This treatment can also stimulate cell repair and increase blood flow to speed up healing.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): This non-invasive treatment uses shock waves to stimulate healing in the affected area. It’s particularly effective for chronic cases of heel pain.
Night splints: For some patients, we recommend night splints or Cam Walkers to manage heel spur pain. Night splints keep your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position while you sleep. Cam Walkers, also known as ‘Moon Boots’, protect your foot and limit movement to aid healing.
Surgical Intervention
In some cases, the spur itself may be surgically removed, but is rarely needed. We only consider it when conservative treatments haven’t provided relief after several months.
We thoroughly discuss all options, risks, and expected outcomes before recommending surgery.
Why Choose The Lower Limb Clinic for Heel Spur Treatment
- 25+ years of experience treating foot conditions
- Holistic approach to foothealth with a focus on providing long-term pain-free solutions
- State-of-the-art facilities and techniques
- Convenient location in Elsternwick, Melbourne
- Extended-hours appointments available
- We stay updated with the latest podiatric research, training, and technology.
- Rapid 48-hour turnaround for custom orthotics made in-house
- Comprehensive care from diagnosis to long-term management
Don’t let heel pain hold you back
Our expert team is ready to help you achieve better comfort, mobility, and overall foot health. Book your initial consultation today and take the first step towards better mobility and comfort. Click here to schedule your appointment or call us at 03 9532 7455.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does heel spur treatment cost?
Treatment costs vary depending on the specific approach needed. We offer a range of options to suit different budgets and can discuss costs during your consultation.
What is the fastest way to heal a heel spur?
While there’s no instant fix, a combination of rest, ice therapy, stretching exercises, and custom orthotics can provide rapid relief for many patients.
What kind of doctor treats heel spurs?
Podiatrists are the primary specialists for heel spur treatment and related conditions. Our team at The Lower Limb Clinic has extensive experience in this area.
Is it OK to walk with heel spurs?
Yes, walking with heel spurs is usually safe. Light exercise can even help. But comfort varies for each person. If walking hurts a lot, rest. Wear good shoes and use orthotics if we prescribe them. Don’t walk barefoot on hard floors. Build up your activity slowly. If you’re not sure, ask us for advice.
What happens if you don’t treat a heel spur?
Untreated heel spurs can cause long-term pain. You might change how you walk to avoid pain. This can lead to problems in your ankles, knees, hips, or back. Some heel spurs don’t cause issues. But it’s best to have a podiatrist check them to prevent future problems.
Are heel bone spurs permanent?
Once formed, heel spurs stay unless removed by surgery. But this doesn’t mean you’ll always have pain. Many people with heel spurs live without pain. We focus on easing your pain and improving how your foot works. Often, we can do this without removing the spur.
If you have more questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us at The Lower Limb Clinic in Melbourne. We’re here to help you find relief and get back to your daily activities.
