Heel Spur Syndrome: Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

A heel spur is a pointed, calcium deposit on the underside or back of the heel bone (calcaneus). These bony growths form over time in response to chronic stress or tension at the insertion point of tendons or the plantar fascia.

• Plantar heel spurs are located underneath the heel and are often associated with plantar fasciitis.
• Posterior heel spurs form at the back of the heel, frequently linked to Achilles tendinitis.

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue stretching from your heel to the base of your toes. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain.

Typical symptoms include:

• Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel
• Pain that’s worst in the morning or after sitting
• Discomfort that returns after extended standing or walking

• Repetitive stress from running, sports, or standing on hard surfaces
• Flat feet or high arches
• Obesity or sudden weight gain
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
• Improper footwear with little arch support or poor cushioning

At SoCal Foot and Ankle Doctors, we perform a comprehensive evaluation, which may include:

• Clinical examination
• Digital X-rays to identify heel spurs
• Ultrasound or MRI for soft tissue assessment and chronic cases

We tailor treatments based on your lifestyle, the severity of symptoms, and your response to prior therapies.

Conservative Treatment Options

• Custom orthotics to redistribute pressure and reduce tension on the plantar fascia
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Night splints and stretching routines
• Supportive footwear guidance
• Physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength
• Corticosteroid injections

Advanced and Regenerative Therapies

We are proud to offer cutting-edge solutions for resistant or chronic heel pain:

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) – non-invasive stimulation to accelerate healing
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections – autologous therapy that promotes tissue repair
• Fetal tissue allograft injections – regenerative medicine that helps repair chronic inflammation and plantar fascial damage
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) – minimally invasive procedure that targets nerve pain at the heel
• Amniotic stem cell injections – used in select cases to reduce chronic soft tissue inflammation

These therapies are especially helpful for patients who want to avoid surgery or have had limited success with conventional care.

Surgical Treatment

If conservative and advanced therapies fail, minimally invasive surgery may be considered to:

• Release the plantar fascia
• Remove the heel spur
• Restore walking comfort

Surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis with a strong success rate and relatively quick recovery.

Whether you’re a runner, a busy professional, or someone struggling with every step, heel pain doesn’t have to be your new normal.

Book an appointment with SoCal Foot and Ankle Doctors today at our Santa Monica or Cedars-Sinai location to get relief through modern, evidence-based care.