My X-ray showed I have a large bone spur on the bottom of my heel (a plantar calcaneal spur), but I have heard that the spur itself is not what hurts. If the spur is not the source of the stabbing heel pain, then what is, and is there any point in treating the spur if I also have plantar fasciitis?
Does a plantar heel spur actually cause my foot pain?
1 answer
Bryan C.
No, the heel spur itself usually isn’t what causes the pain. The sharp stabbing feeling mostly comes from plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation and tiny tears in the thick ligament attached to your heel. The spur is more like a sign that there’s been ongoing tension pulling on that ligament over time. So the best approach is to focus on reducing inflammation and easing tension through stretching and support. Custom orthotics from Upstep can help by providing the right support to relieve pressure and aid healing, and they’re delivered straight to your door without needing a specialist visit.
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This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor or podiatrist.