Plantar Fasciitis And Heel Spurs Specialist

Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado Our Services Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs

Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado

Podiatrists & Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Colorado Springs, CO

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that’s often associated with heel spurs. At the Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Matthew Hinderland, DPM, Trevor Whiting, DPM, and Jordan Cameron, DPM, offer personalized treatment plans to help patients eliminate their pain and regain their mobility. To speak with one of the foot and ankle specialists about your heel pain, call the office or book an appointment online today.

Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs

What is plantar fasciitis?

If you experience heel pain, it’s most likely caused by plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis causes pain at the bottom of your heel that increases when getting out of bed in the morning or standing up after long periods of sitting. 

When you experience plantar fasciitis along with a heel spur, it's often referred to as heel spur syndrome. 

Plantar fasciitis refers to irritation and inflammation to the band of tissue that connects your heels to your toes (the plantar fascia). Plantar fasciitis is caused by issues like flat feet, high arches, obesity, and wearing improper footwear that puts stress on the plantar fascia. 

What is a heel spur?

A heel spur is a bony growth that develops along your heel bone. Heel spurs that occur near the bottom of the foot are often associated with inflammation of the plantar fascia. 

Heel spurs develop over time as a result of repetitive stress on the heel bone. This stress can occur as a result of:

  • Running
  • Hiking 
  • Playing basketball or tennis
  • Jumping on hard surfaces
  • Arthritis
  • Excess body weight
  • Ill-fitting shoes
  • Sudden increase in physical activity

Although patients with plantar fasciitis frequently have heel spurs, heel spurs are rarely the cause of plantar fasciitis pain. If you have a heel spur and experience plantar fasciitis, your doctor can relieve your pain without removing the spur. 

At the Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado, your doctor provides you with an accurate diagnosis to determine the right treatment for you. 

What treatments are available?

If you experience heel pain, the specialists at the Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado perform a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Your evaluation includes a physical exam, imaging tests (like X-rays), and a discussion of your medical history. 

Depending on your condition, treatment begins with conservative techniques like:

  • Exercise therapy
  • Ice therapy
  • Limited activity
  • Padding and strapping
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
  • Orthotics
  • Removable walking cast
  • Night splint
  • Physical therapy

Your doctor works with you to exhaust all conservative options before considering surgical treatment. If your condition requires surgery, the specialists at the Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado specialize in minimally invasive techniques. 

To find out which treatment is right for your heel pain, book an appointment by phone or online today.