Heel pain, plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome is caused by an abnormal and excessive pull of the plantar fascia at its insertion. Morning pain and pain after periods of rest is characteristic and can progress to pain all the time. Treatment is aimed at shrinking the bursal sac via strapping, NSAID’s, injection and orthotics. If this fails, treatment can be rendered via surgical correction in order to release the fascia.
Having a spur does not make a difference in diagnosing or treating heel pain. It is simply a good indicator of the longevity of the problem and confirms the severity of the underlying biomechanical problem causing it.