Why Heel Pain Isn’t Always Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain is one of the most common complaints we see at Complete Feet, and many patients come in convinced they have plantar fasciitis.

While plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, it’s not the only one — and assuming that it is can lead to ineffective treatment and lingering discomfort.

Let’s break down a few other potential causes of heel pain, and explain why getting the right diagnosis matters.

Not Always Plantar Fasciitis? Here’s Why

1. Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the underside of the heel bone. While they can occur alongside plantar fasciitis, they don’t always. In some cases, the spur — not the fascia — is causing the sharp pain when you walk or stand.

2. Fat Pad Atrophy

As we age, the natural cushion of fat under our heel begins to thin out. This can lead to bruising, soreness, and a sensation of “walking on bone.” It’s often mistaken for plantar fasciitis but needs a completely different type of support.

3. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

This is a nerve issue — similar to carpal tunnel in the wrist — that causes burning, tingling, or shooting pain in the heel and arch. Orthotics that work for plantar fasciitis won’t relieve this kind of nerve entrapment.

4. Stress Fractures

Active patients and athletes are prone to small fractures in the heel bone, especially if they’ve recently increased activity levels. The pain often worsens with use and improves with rest — a different pattern from plantar fasciitis.

✅ Why Proper Diagnosis Matters

If you’re using store-bought inserts or stretches based on the assumption that you have plantar fasciitis, you may be wasting time — or worse, aggravating the real issue.

At Complete Feet, we perform a full assessment to identify the root cause of your heel pain. Whether it’s plantar fasciitis or something else, we design custom orthotics based on

your actual foot structure and biomechanics — not just a guess.

Located in Hoover, Serving Greater Birmingham

Don’t let heel pain keep you off your feet. We’ve helped patients throughout Hoover and Birmingham get real answers — and real relief.