Heel spur

A heel spur can be very unpleasant. When you experience painful heels, heel pain or radiating pain from the heel, you may be suffering from a heel spur or plantar fasciitis. The most characteristic symptom is the classic “start-up pain”: intense pain during the first steps in the morning when getting out of bed, or after sitting for a long period. These first steps are usually very painful, but the pain often decreases as you continue walking.

What is a heel spur?

A thick band of tissue runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel bone to the forefoot. A heel spur is caused by this plantar fascia. When the fascia is overloaded, excessive tension builds up at its attachment on the heel bone. When the foot is loaded, the pain is typically felt under the heel.