What is a Heel Spur - Plantar Fasciitis

One of the most common things a foot and ankle specialists sees in their clinic daily (35% average) is plantar fasciitis. And as arduous as pronouncing this diagnosis, it's well know and patients are coming into the clinic tell me they have it and wondering if they have the dreaded ''heel spur"... Well, as you can see in the foot diagram in the video, the heel spur is actually a calcification of the plantar fascia ligament attachment at the bottom of the calcaneus or heel bone. This 'enthesitis' is in reality accounts for most of the symptoms or 'pain on the bottom of the heel with the first few steps out of bed in the morning'. Treatment consists of rest, stretching, ice, anti inflammatories, night splints, orthotics, cortisone injections, PRP injections, Amnionic cellular implant matrix, and of course surgery. About 60% of the population heals with rest and arch supports as well as the other conservative treatment modalities added to reduce symptoms prior to the surgical option. In my opinion, Custom molded orthotics with or without surgery is the treatment of choice, with stretching in the morning and evening, running shoes, and 1-3 weeks of rest.