Plantar fascitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia is inflamed. This condition can be very painful and cause considerable amount of suffering.
Long standing inflammation causes the deposition of calcium at the point where the plantar fascia inserts into the heel. This results in the appearance of a sharp thorn like heel spur on x-ray. The heel spur is a-symtomatic (not painful), the pain arises from the inflammation of the plantar fascia. Symptoms include a dull ache which is felt most of the time with episodes of a sharp pain in the center of the heel or on the inside margin of the heel.
What causes a heel spur?
Firstly, it is important to understand that heel spurs are an abnormal type of bone growth that extends from the heel bone, particularly on the bottom front of the heel bone and sometimes slightly to the side. Usually, a heel spurs forms where the plantar fascia ligament attaches to the bottom of the heel bone. The heel spur growth is made up of calcium deposits that form when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel. Those who overuse, or put heavy stress on the plantar fascia, are at risk of developing heel spurs.