Plantar fasciitis refers to heel pain produced by a small tear and resulting inflammation in the plantar fascia usually at the point or near the attachment to the heel bone. Those that have plantar fasciitis usually have severe pain in the morning on awakening or after sitting which then decreases as they begin to walk on their heel. The pain is made worse by running, especially with hill climbing and sprinting. If there is significant injury to the plantar fascia, a piece of tissue can become calcified on the heel bone, and lead to a spur formation. When there is a growth of bone from the heel bone it is called a heel spur.
Spurs can grow where the muscles of the foot attach to the bone.
Some heel spurs are painless. Others are associated with pain and discomfort and require medical treatment or even surgical removal. In most cases heel pain can be relieved without surgery. Treatment includes self-care, medications, therapy or orthotics. Several steps can be taken to care for a painful heel at home.