If you’re struggling with persistent heel pain, you may have heard two common diagnoses: plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. At FitFeet, our patients often come to us confused about which condition they have—or if they might be dealing with both. And that’s a great question to ask because while these issues are closely related, they’re not the same.
In this post, we’ll help you understand the difference between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, what causes them, how to know which one you might have, and the best treatment options available right here at our Merrick office and other Long Island locations.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation or irritation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, from your heel to your toes. It acts like a shock absorber and supports your foot arch.
What Causes It?
Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by overuse or repetitive stress, especially in individuals who:
- Spend long hours on their feet
- Have flat feet or high arches
- Wear unsupportive footwear
- Are runners or active walkers
- Are overweight or recently gained weight
- Are over the age of 40
Over time, microtears in the fascia build up and lead to inflammation, especially near the heel bone.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
- Sharp, stabbing heel pain when taking your first steps in the morning
- Pain that improves with movement but returns after long periods of standing or sitting
- Tenderness along the arch or the heel
- Pain that worsens after, but not usually during, physical activity
What Is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone. It develops when calcium deposits build up over time—often in response to chronic strain or inflammation in the foot, especially where the plantar fascia connects to the heel.
Are Heel Spurs Dangerous?
Not necessarily. Many people have heel spurs without any pain at all. Others may experience sharp or dull pain—particularly when walking or standing for extended periods.
It’s important to understand that heel spurs themselves don’t always cause pain. In fact, the pain is often from the underlying plantar fasciitis, not the bony spur itself.
Plantar Fasciitis vs. Heel Spurs: Key Differences
| Feature | Plantar Fasciitis | Heel Spur |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Inflammation of the plantar fascia | Calcium deposit on the heel bone |
| Pain Timing | Sharp pain in the morning or after rest | May cause pain when standing or walking |
| Diagnosis | Based on physical exam and history | Usually visible on X-ray |
| Treatment Focus | Reducing inflammation and tension | Addressing spur only if painful or persistent |
| Common Link | Often the root cause of heel spur development | May coexist with plantar fasciitis |
Do I Have Both?
Many patients actually have both plantar fasciitis and a heel spur, and they may not even know it. The spur often develops as a result of long-standing plantar fasciitis, due to the constant pulling on the heel bone by the tight plantar fascia.
At FitFeet, Dr. Leon Stepensky uses advanced diagnostic tools—including digital X-rays and ultrasound imaging—to determine whether you’re dealing with inflammation, a spur, or both.
Knowing the correct diagnosis is the first step toward lasting relief.
Diagnosis at FitFeet
When you come to our Merrick office or another FitFeet location, we begin with a thorough:
- Physical exam of your foot and arch
- Gait analysis to assess how you walk
- Review of your medical and footwear history
- Imaging, if needed, to rule out or confirm heel spurs
We take the time to listen to your symptoms and lifestyle, because pain is personal—and so is treatment.
Learn more about how we diagnose and treat heel pain here.
Treatment Options: What You Can Expect
Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, a heel spur, or both, the goal is the same: reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent future problems.
At FitFeet, we offer a range of non-invasive and minimally invasive options, customized to your needs.
1. Custom Orthotics
Proper support is essential. Our custom orthotics reduce strain on the plantar fascia and offload pressure from the heel—especially useful if you’re on your feet all day.
Find out if you need custom orthotics in Merrick
2. Laser Therapy
We offer Fotona laser therapy to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing in soft tissue. It’s painless, drug-free, and safe for most patients.
Learn more about our laser treatment options
3. Shockwave Therapy
Using soundwave energy, our Zimmer enPulsPro Shockwave Therapy promotes tissue repair and breaks up calcium deposits that can form into heel spurs.
4. Night Splints & Stretching
By keeping the plantar fascia gently stretched overnight, night splints prevent the morning “snap” that triggers pain. We also guide patients through simple stretches to increase flexibility and reduce tension.
5. Footwear Guidance
You’d be surprised how often switching to proper footwear helps. We’ll walk you through the best shoes for heel pain—supportive, cushioned, and arch-friendly.
6. Minimally Invasive Procedures
If conservative treatments don’t offer relief, Dr. Stepensky may recommend minimally invasive options, including:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
- Tenex procedures to remove scar tissue
- Minimally invasive fascia release, if necessary
Surgery is rarely needed and always a last resort at FitFeet.
How to Prevent Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis
Prevention starts with listening to your body and taking action early.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Stretch your calves and arches regularly
- Wear proper shoes with arch support and cushioning
- Replace worn-out shoes every 300–500 miles (especially running shoes)
- Avoid going barefoot on hard floors
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don’t push through foot pain—rest when needed
If you’ve had plantar fasciitis in the past, we can help you create a maintenance plan to keep it from returning.
When to See a Podiatrist
If your heel pain is:
- Lasting more than two weeks
- Worsening despite rest or over-the-counter solutions
- Making it hard to walk, exercise, or work
…it’s time to seek expert care. At FitFeet, we help patients of all ages get back on their feet—without pain. You don’t have to live with discomfort. Relief is possible, and it starts with the right diagnosis.
Need help now? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Stepensky and start your journey to better foot health.
Trust FitFeet: Your Partners in Heel Pain Relief
At FitFeet, we believe no one should suffer in silence when it comes to heel pain. Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or a combination of both, Dr. Leon Stepensky and our experienced team are here to guide you with compassionate, personalized care.
We offer a full range of treatments—from conservative options to advanced therapies—across our offices in Merrick and throughout Long Island. You don’t have to keep guessing what’s causing your foot pain. Let us help you get answers—and more importantly, relief.
Schedule your consultation with FitFeet today and take the first step toward healing.
