Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most frequent causes of heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. This tissue supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock when you walk. When too much strain is placed on it, tiny tears can develop, leading to pain and irritation. Over time, if the condition is not addressed, it can contribute to the development of heel bone spurs. A bone spur is a small, bony growth that forms on the heel bone, often in response to repeated stress or pressure.

The causes of plantar fasciitis and bone spurs are often related to the same underlying issues.
Any condition that causes too much damage to the plantar fascia can cause inflammation, heel pain and stiffness of the plantar fascia, and lead to the development of bone spurs.

Some of the most common contributing factors include:

• Repeated stress from running, jumping, or prolonged standing on hard surfaces
• Wearing shoes with poor arch support or thin soles
• Having flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns that put extra strain on the heel
• Being overweight, which increases the load on the feet
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons that limit ankle flexibility
• Aging, which can lead to reduced elasticity in the plantar fascia

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis and bone spurs can vary, but they typically share some common patterns. For many patients, the hallmark symptom is heel pain. This pain is often worse when first stepping out of bed in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time. It may improve slightly after moving around but can return after prolonged activity.

Other symptoms may include:

• Sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot near the heel
• Aching pain that can extend into the arch of the foot
• Increased discomfort after exercise, even though pain during exercise may not be severe
• Swelling or tenderness in the heel area
• In some cases of bone spurs, a feeling of something hard pressing into the heel, although many bone spurs cause no symptoms at all

It is important to note that while bone spurs often develop in people with plantar fasciitis, the spur itself is not always the source of pain. In fact, many people have bone spurs that are only discovered through imaging tests and never cause discomfort. The irritation of the plantar fascia is more often the reason for heel pain.

Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and bone spurs begins with a medical history and physical examination. Your doctor will ask about the nature of the pain, when it started, what activities worsen or improve it, and whether there are other foot problems. During the exam, the doctor may press on the heel and arch to pinpoint the source of pain. Additional steps to confirm the diagnosis may include:

• X-rays to look for bone spurs or rule out other problems such as fractures
• Ultrasound to show thickening or inflammation of the plantar fascia
• MRI in rare cases, to examine soft tissues in greater detail if symptoms are severe or persistent

In most cases, a combination of a thorough history, examination, and simple imaging tests is enough to make a diagnosis. Doctors at Orthopedic Associates of Northern California often focus on identifying not only the immediate cause of pain but also the underlying factors that may contribute to ongoing stress on the foot.

Plantar fasciitis and bone spurs can disrupt daily life and make walking, exercising, or even standing uncomfortable. By recognizing the causes and symptoms early, patients can seek care before the condition becomes chronic. Diagnosis by an orthopedic specialist provides clarity and allows for the development of a treatment plan aimed at relieving pain and addressing the root causes, helping patients return to their normal activities with less discomfort.