Patients and doctors often confuse the terms heel spur and plantar fasciitis. While these two diagnoses are related, they are not the same.
Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar-fascia (the tissue that forms the arch of the foot. A heel spur is a hook of bone that can form on the heel bone (calcaneus) and is associated with plantar fasciitis.
About 70% of patients with plantar fasciitis have a heel spur that can be seen on an X-ray. However, many patients without symptoms of pain can have a heel spur. The exact relationship between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs is not entirely understood.
When a patient has plantar fasciitis, the plantar fascia becomes inflammed and degenerative (Worn-out) - these abnormalities can make normal activities quite painful. Symptoms typically worsen early in the morning after sleep. At that time, the plantar fasci is tight so even simple movements stretch the contracted plantar fascia. As you begin to losen the plantar fascia, the pain usually subsides , but often returns with prolonged standing or walking.
Heel spurs form in some patients who have plantar fasciitis, and tend to occur in patients who have had the problem for a prolonged period of time. While about 70% of patients with plantar fasciitis have a heel spur, X-rays also show about 50 percent of patients with no symptoms of plantar fasciitis also have a heel spur.
Of course if you think you may have symptoms of either plantar fasciitis or heel spur please see your podiatrists!
For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at
440-946-5858 or visit our website: http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/
*Don't Forget to order your free copy of our book on our website!*
And Remember......"When Your Feet Hurt, You Hurt All Over!"
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI badly need a heel spur treatment in Singapore. Been suffering from the pain. Can no longer walk easily.
ReplyDelete