The plantar fascia attaches to the large bone of the back of the foot. This fibrous band of tissue connects to the heel and the forefoot.

An inflammation of the plantar fascia can occur with overuse. This condition is called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can cause the plantar fascia to pull away from the heel bone which causes the formation of calcium deposits.

The calcium deposits can form a bony hook at the bottom of the heel. These bony hooks or heel spurs can cause significant pain when the person walks or stands.

Having flat feet can make a person prone to developing plantar fasciitis that causes heel spurs. The heel spurs from over-pronation or flat feet develop because the lack of a foot arch puts excess pressure on the plantar fascia which can cause the plantar fascia to pull away from the heel bone.

Excessively high foot arches can also lead to plantar fasciitis. Wearing high heels and footwear without support increases the risk of plantar fasciitis.

Heel spurs are commonly diagnosed with the use of an x-ray to detect the bony projections. The physician may ask about the personal, medical history of plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. About half the people who develop heel bone spurs have a medical history of plantar fasciitis.

If the heel spurs are from plantar fasciitis from over pronation, the doctor may prescribe the use of orthotics to relieve some pressure on the plantar fascia. If the person is overweight, the doctor may suggest that the person diets to reach their ideal weight to relieve some of the pressure on the plantar fascia.

Heel cups, heel cradles, or other orthotics may be prescribed to help reduce pressure on the plantar fascia and cushion the heel. Pain relievers such as over-the-counter nonsteroidal drugs (NSAIDs) and ice packs may be used to treat the pain from a heel bone spur.

The doctor may suggest specific stretches to help stretch out the plantar fascia. Night splints may also be used to stretch the plantar fascia. With treatment, the pain from heel spurs usually subsides within three months.