Plantar Fasciitis vs. Heel Spurs: What’s Causing Your Foot Pain?

Foot pain can be deceptively disruptive. It affects your posture, your gait, and even your motivation to stay active. One of the most common culprits? That nagging ache under your heel that greets you every morning. While many assume it’s a “heel spur,” in most cases, the true offender is plantar fasciitis.

Although these two conditions are closely linked, they are not the same—and understanding the difference is essential for getting the right treatment. Whether you’re a runner, healthcare worker, or simply someone on their feet all day, recognising the cause of your heel pain can be the first step toward lasting relief.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone (calcaneus) to the base of your toes. It acts like a shock-absorbing bowstring, supporting the arch of the foot during walking and standing.

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury caused by repetitive strain or micro-tears in the fascia. This leads to inflammation and sharp pain, usually felt at the bottom of the heel or along the arch, especially with the first few steps in the morning or after periods of rest.

Common Symptoms:

• Stabbing heel pain when first getting out of bed

• Pain after standing or walking for long periods

• Tenderness under the heel or along the sole

• Tight calf or Achilles tendon

What Are Heel Spurs?

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone. They are typically the result of chronic stress or pulling from the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon. However, not all heel spurs cause pain.

In fact, heel spurs are often found on imaging in people who have no symptoms. And many people with plantar fasciitis have no visible spur at all. The key difference is that heel spurs are a structural change, while plantar fasciitis is a soft tissue injury.

Heel Spurs May:

• Appear on X-rays even without symptoms

• Be associated with long-standing plantar fasciitis

• Contribute to pain if inflamed or impinging on soft tissue

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

The best way to confirm the diagnosis is with a clinical assessment and imaging—often starting with X-ray and potentially followed by onMRI™ to assess soft tissue integrity.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs?

Several risk factors can lead to excessive strain on the heel and fascia, including:

• Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces

• Tight calf muscles or limited ankle mobility

• Obesity or sudden weight gain

• Flat feet or high arches

• Worn-out or unsupportive shoes

• Sudden increase in physical activity (especially running)

Athletes, teachers, warehouse workers, and healthcare professionals are commonly affected due to repetitive foot stress.

Modern Treatments: Regeneration and Relief

The good news? Most cases resolve with conservative care, especially when the root cause is addressed early. At MSK Doctors, we combine biomechanical analysis with regenerative and physical therapies to fast-track healing and prevent recurrence.

Evidence-Based Treatments:

✅ Cryo-Ultrasound Therapy – Combines cold therapy and ultrasound to reduce inflammation and pain
✅ Shockwave Therapy – Stimulates tissue healing and blood flow to the plantar fascia
✅ Orthotics & Footwear Correction – Custom solutions to offload the fascia and correct biomechanics
✅ Stretching & Strengthening – Focused on the plantar fascia, calves, and intrinsic foot muscles
✅ Regenerative Injections – PRP or mFAT may be considered in stubborn, chronic cases
✅ onMRI™ Assessment – Advanced imaging to detect subtle soft tissue changes not visible on X-ray

Preventing Recurrence: Protect Your Feet

Once resolved, heel pain can return if the underlying issues aren’t corrected. Prevention is key—especially for active individuals or those in high-impact occupations.

Top Tips:

• Stretch your calves and fascia daily

• Wear supportive shoes—even at home

• Avoid walking barefoot on hard floors

• Replace worn-out footwear regularly

• Use orthotics or arch supports if needed

• Don’t ignore early symptoms—intervene early

At MSK Doctors, we use MAI-Motion™ and force plate assessments to identify walking or standing patterns that contribute to heel pain, offering a fully personalised rehab plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know if I have plantar fasciitis or a heel spur?
Plantar fasciitis typically causes pain first thing in the morning or after rest. Heel spurs may show on X-ray but are not always painful. Clinical assessment is key.

2. Do I need surgery for heel spurs?
Rarely. Most heel spur pain is actually caused by plantar fasciitis. Conservative treatment resolves symptoms in over 90% of cases.

3. Can I still exercise with plantar fasciitis?
Yes, but with caution. Low-impact activities like cycling or swimming are usually tolerated. Avoid running or jumping until symptoms improve.

4. What’s the fastest way to recover?
A combination of rest, ice, stretching, footwear modification, and therapies like shockwave or cryo-ultrasound offers the best results.

5. Are injections effective for plantar fasciitis?
Steroid injections may relieve pain temporarily, but regenerative options like PRP promote long-term healing with fewer side effects.

6. When should I see a specialist?
If pain persists for more than 4–6 weeks despite home care, or if it interferes with your mobility, book an expert assessment.

Conclusion: Walk Comfortably Again

Heel pain doesn’t have to be your new normal. Whether it’s plantar fasciitis or a heel spur, the key is early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. With modern technology and expert care, you can get back on your feet—literally.

At MSK Doctors, we offer cutting-edge diagnostics, non-invasive therapies, and regenerative solutions to treat the cause—not just the symptoms—of your foot pain. No GP referral needed.

Book your foot pain assessment today—step into comfort with confidence.