Below is an image of an x-ray demonstrating a plantar heel spur. For many years, people have been told that the pain underneath their heel is due to a heel spur.
A heel spur is a common x-ray finding associated with plantar heel pain. In fact, people with plantar heel pain are around 5 times more likely to have a heel spur.
However, heel spurs are also associated with increasing age and obesity, and they’re commonly found in people who don’t have plantar heel pain.
What does all of this mean?
Firstly, association and cause are not the same things.
It might be more likely for people experiencing plantar heel pain to have a heel spur, but this doesn’t mean the heel spur is causing it.
In other words, there’s a good chance the heel spur was there for a long time before the pain developed.
Secondly, the treatment for plantar heel pain is unlikely to be helpful for a bone problem. So, if the pain comes from the heel spur, why do people get better by implementing treatment options that are unlikely to be helpful for a bone problem?
This is because the pain is more likely to originate from the plantar fascia than a heel spur.
If you’re all too familiar with that nagging plantar heel pain first thing in the morning, you’re not alone. The good news is there are effective strategies to manage this condition and get long-lasting relief.
Download our free ebook “3 Steps to Conquer Plantar Heel Pain” to learn simple yet powerful techniques for reducing morning heel pain and getting your day off on the right foot.