Heel pain can make something as basic as walking or standing uncomfortable. When the discomfort continues, it can interfere with work, exercise, and everyday activities that require spending time on the feet. One condition associated with persistent heel discomfort is a heel spur.

Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are often discussed together, but they are not the same condition. Determining what is contributing to heel pain is important because similar symptoms can have different underlying causes and may require different treatment approaches.

What Is a Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a bony growth that develops on the heel bone. It can form over time in response to ongoing stress in the area and is commonly associated with the attachment of the plantar fascia.

Having a heel spur does not necessarily mean that a person will experience pain. Some heel spurs may not cause noticeable symptoms at all. When heel discomfort is present, other tissues in the surrounding area may also be involved.

This is one reason an evaluation is important before assuming that a visible or suspected heel spur is responsible for the patient’s symptoms.

Heel Spurs vs. Plantar Fasciitis

Although the two conditions can occur together, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are different. Plantar fasciitis involves irritation of the plantar fascia, the strong band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. A heel spur is a bony growth involving the heel bone itself.

Both may be associated with discomfort in the heel area, which can make it difficult to determine the source based on symptoms alone.

Other foot and ankle problems can also cause discomfort in the same general region. Identifying what is contributing to the symptoms allows treatment to focus more specifically on the individual condition.

Radial Shockwave Therapy for Heel Spurs

Radial Shockwave Therapy is one treatment option for stubborn musculoskeletal problems such as heel spurs. The treatment creates shockwaves that spread outward through the treatment area rather than concentrating the energy at a single deep point.

This broader treatment pattern distinguishes Radial Shockwave Therapy from Focused Shockwave Therapy, which delivers concentrated energy deeper into a specific area.

Radial Shockwave Therapy can be particularly useful when addressing chronic problems involving stubborn tissue. Heel spurs are among the conditions for which this treatment may be considered, along with problems such as tennis elbow and chronic muscle spasms.

Taking an Individualized Approach to Heel Pain

Persistent heel discomfort can change the way a person walks, exercises, works, and performs normal daily activities. However, treating heel pain effectively begins with determining what is actually causing it.

A heel spur, plantar fasciitis, an ankle problem, or another musculoskeletal condition may produce discomfort in a similar area. An individualized evaluation can help distinguish between these possibilities and determine which available treatment options may be appropriate.

Patients dealing with persistent heel pain do not have to assume that every case requires the same approach. Treatment can be selected according to the specific condition and the patient’s individual needs. To learn more about non-surgical treatment options for heel spurs and other foot or ankle conditions, or to schedule a consultation, visit NY Disc Chiropractic.