Does a plantar heel spur actually cause my foot pain?
Asked 3 months ago
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?
Bryan Cantu
Monday, November 10, 2025
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.
Please follow our Community Guidelines
Related Articles

Orthotics for Helping With Back Pain
Babafemi Adebajo
February 17, 2023

Best Insoles for Managing Overpronation
Upstep Staff
September 23, 2025

Are Barefoot Shoes Good for You? A Podiatrist's Perspective
Janik Sundstrom
July 10, 2025
Related Posts
Babafemi Adebajo
Baxter’s Nerve Entrapment: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Babafemi Adebajo
Best Tennis Ball Exercises for Plantar Fasciitis
Janik Sundstrom
The Benefits of Taping for Cuboid Syndrome Treatment
Babafemi Adebajo
How to Massage Plantar Fasciitis: Best Techniques and Tools
Staff Writer
4 Signs Your Plantar Fasciitis Is Healing
Can't find what you're looking for?


