How To Know If You Have A Heel Spur or Plantar Fasciitis

When it comes to managing foot pain when walking, a small problem can turn into a huge one if you’re not cautious. Something like a slight discomfort can actually be a condition that many experience and point to as a cause for daily distress. Two of the most common concerns, especially when it comes to finding the right shoes for support, is a heel bone spur or the condition known as Plantar Fasciitis. 

The two are related in symptoms but also unique in what they do to cause pain to your foot. If you’re experiencing arch pain, then it’s important to know the signs that you might be experiencing Plantar Fasciitis or developing a heel bone spur. Beginning with the latter, here’s how to know if you’re suffering from one of these common conditions for the foot. Plus, we’ll offer up some solutions on how to maximize your support and comfort to treat these concerns. 

What is a Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a bone spur in your heel that can lead to major discomforts and pains when walking or resting. A calcium deposit develops on your heel to create a bone-like protrusion on the bottom of the heel bone. Some heel spurs can grow to half of an inch. 

If a bony growth on your foot sounds familiar, then you’ve likely had a heel bone spur before. A heel bone spur is among the most uncomfortable and painful places to develop one. Likewise, they can also be entirely painless. The more commonly painful instances of a heel bone spur come with another condition known as plantar fasciitis. While these are often connected, the condition is a unique event that can occur within your foot. Unlike a heel bone spur, which can sometimes go away on its own, plantar fasciitis can be a chronic condition in need of more care. 

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation that occurs in the bands of tissue that connect the heel of the foot to your toes. When this develops, it can be treated with over-the-counter medication and care for the foot. Symptoms feel a lot like a heel bone spur, including pain at the bottom of your foot near the heel. It’s often worst when you first wake up, which is known as first-step pain. 

Plantar fasciitis can develop from both inactivity and activity. Staying off your feet for a long time can develop inflammation. Likewise, you can exert yourself too much in an exercise and create this inflammation. Doctors, on top of recommending pain reducers you can find at the local pharmacy, will often suggest specific types of shoes that provide relief for the arch pain caused by bone spurs and plantar fasciitis.

Best Shoes for a Heel Spur or Plantar Fasciitis

When it comes to the best shoes for bone spurs and plantar fasciitis, these are two of our top recommendations!

Supportive Clogs

The Woollery clog is a great option for enhanced support to treat both bone spurs and plantar fasciitis. This slip-on shoe is supportive and uses wool to keep the lining soft and comforting to the foot. Supportive footbeds are also the exact durable material you need to move with ease, even during flare-ups. 

If you’re more into sandals, then there’s a great option for you at Taos as well!

Cork-Sole Sandals

The Lola sandal is another shoe praised for its diverse amount of support it can provide the foot in times of added inflammation. Even if you’re just looking for a comfortable sandal you can wear for any occasion, the Lola’s cork-latex footbed and strap design makes these the most comfortable sandals you’ll find and has the added bonus of preventing foot pain when walking.