Not All Heel Pain Comes from a Spur: Here’s What’s Really Going On

July 16 2025

When you’re dealing with sharp, stabbing heel pain—especially those first few steps in the morning—it’s natural to want answers fast. Often, a simple X-ray reveals a heel spur, and it’s tempting to blame the pain on that bony projection. But here’s the truth: heel spurs are often not the real problem.

The Spur Isn’t Always the Culprit

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form on the underside of the heel bone. They show up clearly on X-rays and can look dramatic, but research and clinical experience tell us this: **the pain you feel is usually caused by inflammation in the soft tissues—**not the spur itself.

The most common source? Plantar fasciitis—an inflammation of the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that connects your heel to your toes. The spur may be present, but it’s often just a bystander.

So Why Does It Hurt So Much?

When the plantar fascia is overstressed—by overuse, poor footwear, weight gain, or faulty foot mechanics—it can become inflamed and irritated. This leads to:

Pain with your first steps in the morning
Aching after standing or walking
Tenderness at the bottom of the heel

If a spur is also present, it doesn’t necessarily make things worse, but it can lead to confusion and misdirected treatment.

At Family Foot & Leg Center, we go beyond what shows up on an X-ray. Our expert podiatrists evaluate your foot mechanics, lifestyle, and symptoms to target the root cause of your heel pain—often the inflammation, not the bone.

Treatment plans may include:

Custom orthotics to reduce strain on the plantar fascia
Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen supporting muscles
Laser therapy to reduce inflammation and speed healing
Advanced options like shockwave therapy or regenerative injections if needed

Get the Right Diagnosis—Get the Right Relief

Heel pain doesn’t have to be a mystery, and it doesn’t have to take over your day. Whether or not you have a spur, you deserve treatment that addresses what’s really causing the discomfort.

👉 If heel pain is slowing you down, let the team at FFLC help you get back on your feet—with precision, compassion, and proven results.

📞 Call us at 239-430-3668 or book an appointment online today.

#HeelPainFacts #NotAlwaysASpur #PodiatryTruths #FFLC #NaplesPodiatrist #FootCareYouCanTrust

Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies.

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