Not all heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis, but many people assume it is. The truth is, several foot conditions can feel nearly identical, and choosing the wrong treatment could delay your recovery.
At Great Lakes Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing the full spectrum of foot and heel conditions, helping patients in Crown Point, St. John, and Lowell get the right care from the start. Led by foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Curt Martini, our team uses advanced imaging, hands-on exams, and a deep understanding of biomechanics to get to the root of your pain. If you’re unsure what’s causing your heel discomfort, now is the time to schedule an appointment.
Here’s how to tell the difference between plantar fasciitis and other causes of heel pain — and when it’s time to see a specialist.
Plantar Fasciitis vs. Other Common Heel Pain Conditions
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It develops when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed or develops tiny tears. This often leads to a sharp, stabbing pain near the heel, especially with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while.
Heel spurs, on the other hand, are calcium deposits that build up on the underside of the heel bone. They often develop after long-standing plantar fasciitis due to ongoing tension and stress on the heel. While plantar fasciitis and heel spurs can occur together, not all people with heel spurs feel pain.
Other heel pain conditions that might be mistaken for plantar fasciitis include:
- Achilles tendonitis: Causes pain and stiffness at the back of the heel and ankle, often worsening after physical activity or exercise.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: A pinched nerve near the ankle that can cause burning, tingling, or radiating pain into the foot.
- Calcaneal stress fractures: Small cracks in the heel bone, usually caused by repetitive impact activities like running or jumping. Pain tends to worsen with weight-bearing.
- Retrocalcaneal bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac) located behind the Achilles tendon, often due to pressure or repetitive overuse.
Each of these conditions requires a different treatment plan, which is why an accurate diagnosis is so important. Understanding the true source of your heel pain is the first step to getting relief and preventing the problem from worsening.
Overlapping Symptoms and How to Tell Them Apart
Heel pain can feel similar across many conditions, which makes figuring out the true cause on your own challenging. While the details may seem subtle, each condition has distinct patterns that help guide diagnosis and treatment.
Here’s a breakdown to help you understand how they differ:
- Plantar fasciitis symptoms: Sharp pain on the bottom of the heel, often most intense with your first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. The pain may improve slightly once you start moving, but can return after prolonged standing or activity.
- Heel spur symptoms: Very similar to plantar fasciitis, but often described as more localized or “pinpoint” pain that’s especially noticeable during walking or when putting direct pressure on the heel.
- Achilles tendonitis symptoms: Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel or ankle, often worsening after exercise or physical activity. Swelling and tenderness in this area may also occur.
- Stress fracture symptoms: Pain that develops gradually and worsens with weight-bearing activities. The pain is typically located in a specific spot on the heel and may feel deep or aching.
- Bursitis or nerve entrapment symptoms: Burning, tingling, or even shooting pain that may radiate into the arch or other parts of the foot. These sensations often suggest nerve involvement rather than soft tissue strain alone.
If your pain persists despite home treatments, changes over time, or starts to interfere with your ability to walk or stay active, it’s important to see a specialist. A thorough evaluation can help you get an accurate diagnosis and start a treatment plan that truly addresses the root of the problem.
Diagnostic Tools and Exams Used
At Great Lakes Orthopedics, we use a comprehensive set of diagnostic tools to understand exactly what’s causing your heel pain. Getting the right diagnosis is the key to choosing the most effective treatment and avoiding unnecessary delays in healing.
Our approach includes:
- Physical examination: We carefully evaluate your foot structure, flexibility, gait (how you walk), and areas of tenderness to identify patterns and possible underlying issues.
- Imaging tests: X-rays can help us detect heel spurs or stress fractures, while ultrasound and MRI are valuable for assessing soft tissue problems like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
- Gait analysis and orthotic evaluation: By studying how you walk and stand, we can uncover subtle imbalances or mechanics that may be contributing to chronic foot pain.
- Clinical history review: We take time to understand when and how your pain started, what makes it better or worse, and any past injuries or activities that may play a role.
These tools work together to give us a full picture of your condition, so we can design a treatment plan that addresses the true source of your heel pain — and help you get back to moving comfortably.
When to See a Foot and Ankle Specialist
Chronic heel pain isn’t something to push through. It’s a signal that your body needs attention. You should consider seeing a foot and ankle specialist if:
- Your heel pain has lasted longer than two weeks despite rest and home care.
- You have difficulty walking or standing for extended periods.
- The pain continues to worsen over time or feels more severe after periods of rest.
- You notice swelling, bruising, or visible changes in your foot or ankle.
- You feel radiating pain, tingling, or numbness, which may indicate nerve involvement.
Getting care early can help you avoid long-term complications and reduce the chances of needing invasive procedures. A prompt, accurate diagnosis often leads to faster healing and allows for more conservative treatment options.
Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters for Treatment
Not all heel pain is treated the same way. Each condition requires a tailored strategy to ensure proper healing and prevent further injury. Here’s what that might look like:
- Plantar fasciitis treatment: Includes stretching programs, night splints, custom orthotics, physical therapy, or, in some cases, shockwave therapy to reduce pain and improve function.
- Heel spur management: Often addressed with similar treatments as plantar fasciitis. Surgery is rarely needed unless pain becomes chronic and severe.
- Achilles tendonitis care: Focuses on eccentric strengthening exercises, use of heel lifts, activity modification, and sometimes temporary immobilization to allow healing.
- Stress fracture recovery: Usually involves rest, avoiding weight-bearing activities, and possibly using a walking boot or crutches to offload the foot.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome or bursitis treatment: May include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, targeted injections, or custom orthotics to relieve pressure and support the foot.
A misdiagnosis can delay healing, cause unnecessary pain, and may even lead to complications in other parts of the body, like your knees or hips. That’s why working with an experienced orthopedic team, like Great Lakes Orthopedics, is so important. We’re dedicated to identifying the true source of your heel pain and providing a treatment plan that gets you back to your daily life with confidence.
Get Expert Help for Heel Pain at Great Lakes Orthopedics
Knowing what’s truly causing your heel pain is the first step toward lasting relief. Our team at Great Lakes Orthopedics is here to help you find clarity and feel confident in your next steps.
Schedule an appointment today at one of our convenient Northwest Indiana locations to get a thorough evaluation and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your foot and ankle needs.
