Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis And Heel Spurs

Untreated plantar fasciitis can lead to heel spurs, causing you to experience pain and limitation from two separate but related problems in your feet. If you have pain extending across the arch of your foot and into your heel, you might need medical treatment to prevent heel spurs.

Contact the experienced, knowledgeable podiatrists at Starrett Podiatry to schedule your consultation appointment today. They have six New York office locations for your convenience located in East Harlem and West Harlem in New York City; Brooklyn, New York; and Mott Haven and Belmont in Bronx, New York.

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What is my plantar fascia?

Your plantar fascia is a ligament connecting your toes to your heel bone and supporting the arch of your foot.

What are the signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

The term “plantar fasciitis” refers to swelling and inflammation of the plantar fascia. When this occurs, you’re likely to experience burning or aching pain across your heel along with swelling, redness, and inflammation across the arch of your foot. Pain caused by plantar fasciitis is usually worst in the morning.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when you put too much pressure on your foot. It can happen if you’re obese or overweight, if you run long-distance, or if you spend a lot of time on your feet at work or home.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Your doctor will likely use a combination of conservative treatment options to treat your plantar fasciitis, including rest, ice, custom shoes or orthotics, or exercises.

In some cases, physical therapy, night splints, corticosteroid injections, or surgery may be recommended, but these treatments are for patients whose symptoms don’t resolve after more conservative methods.

What causes heel spurs?

Heel spurs develop as a result of untreated plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form on your heels and stab into the padding of your heel, causing pain similar to the pain of plantar fasciitis.

What’s the difference between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the ligament running along the arch of your foot. When left untreated, it results in the development of calcium spurs on your heel called heel spurs.

How are heel spurs treated?

Heel spurs can often be treated using stretching, special shoes, taping, physical therapy, or surgery.

When should I see a doctor?

You rely on your feet for nearly everything, so taking care of them is critical if you want them to remain healthy and pain-free for many more years.

When you seek attention early, you improve the chances that your podiatrist will be able to treat your condition using conservative treatment methods. If you notice foot pain, contact Starrett Podiatry for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.