Separating Fact from Fiction – Your Foot & Ankle Health Matters

"My Heel Pain is Caused By Heel Spurs"

Heel spur is a tiny, bony growth that can look like a knob or lump on an x-ray, it stands to reason why people immediately think they must be causing their heel pain. The opposite is actually true. While heel spurs look a little scary, you have enough tissue surrounding them that they are usually cushioned enough that they do not cause pain.

"Heel Spurs Cause Plantar Fasciitis"

The opposite is the truth. Heel spurs are not a random phenomenon. They form in response to injury. The body tends to overproduce calcium when it is injured to repair injuries. Plantar fasciitis causes heel spurs, not the other way around. When the plantar fasciitis is resolved, the heel spurs do not just go away, the way plantar fasciitis can.

"Heel Spurs Must Be Surgically Removed"

While it is true that heel spurs can cause pain for a very select few people, and those who feel them may choose to have their heel spurs removed, surgery is usually overkill. If your heel pain is actually due to plantar fasciitis, removing a heel spur through surgery will not stop your pain.