Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spurs

Over time, the inflammatory reaction at the heel bone may produce projections of new bone called "heel spurs." When this occurs, physicians may begin to call it "heel spur syndrome." Doctors frequently use plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome interchangeably. Are plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome the same? No, but they are related. The two share a common lineage in which plantar fasciitis can progress to heel spur syndrome over time. The heel spur that appears at the origin of the plantar fascia is a direct result of the fascia being torn from the heel bone-these spurs are a result, not a cause. They indicate severity and duration. For this reason, many doctors will x-ray the feet to assess the severity of your condition and rule out other causes of heel pain.