There are two conditions which often get confused with each other. One is Plantar Fasciitis and the other is a heel spur. The difference is that Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the area between the Heel and the toe bones and a heel spur is a bony protrusion between the heel and the arch. Both can be painful although a Heel Spur may not result in pain.

Symptoms of a heel spur include:

• Pain – Undue irritation near the arch of your foot and ball of your heel
• Inflammation – General redness of area around your heel
• Swelling – General increase in the size of the affected area
• Bony protrusion – May or may not be seen as calcium deposit is usually small

Whether you believe you have Plantar Fasciitis or a heel spur, it is very important to not diagnose yourself and instead see your podiatrist. Only they are trained to tell the difference between both and therefore treat accordingly.

Treatments for a heel spur include:

• Cold compress – Helps relieve pain and swelling. Can be ice
• Well fitted footwear- Making sure your footwear supports your feet
• Orthotics – Store bought or custom foot inserts
• Stretches – Stretching of calf muscles and foot
• Elevated heel – Taking the pressure off the heel
• Corticosteroid injections – Relieves pain. Not permanent solution. Limited
• Cryoultrasound therapy – Electromagnetic therapy and cold compresses
• Surgery – Cutting of ligaments or removal of calcium deposit

Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis include:

• Pain killers -Medications like Tylenol or Advil may help. Only take as directed otherwise they can cause serious damage
• Steroids – Natural or man-made can alleviate some pain. Also, some can have serious side effects
• Physical Therapy – Will likely include stretching of the foot
• Ultrasound Therapy – Used to remove scar tissue
• Surgery – Cutting and loosening of Plantar Fasciitis ligament

 

If you believe you are developing Plantar Fasciitis or a Heel Spur or have any other concerns about your feet, make an appointment with Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Gregory P. Vogt, or Dr. Christine I. Tumele at Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C. We are located at 1031 McBride Avenue, Suite D-105, Woodland Park, NJ, 07424. You can also contact us at our email info@monpod.com or call us at our Monroe office: 734-241-0200 or our Lambertville office: 734-856-8900.