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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • May 31, 2019
Plantar Fasciitis vs. Heel Spur Syndrome

Pain at the bottom of the foot, particularly in the heel, is a common complaint, drawing millions of patients to seek care each year. While there are several potential causes of foot pain, there are only a couple that account for the vast majority of cases. Among these common conditions are two which are frequently confused by patients: plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.


What is a Heel Spur?

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that build up on the underside of the heel in some patients. Typically, they develop over a course of several months and are often the result of excess strain on the ligaments and muscles of the foot or overstretching of the plantar fascia. Common risk factors seen in those with heel spurs are abnormalities in gait, wearing poorly fitted shoes, running on hard surfaces, and obesity. 


What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a tendon that runs the length of the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the front of the foot and providing support for the arch. When this tendon becomes inflamed due to excessive stretching or repetitive strain, painful symptoms can result. This condition is known as plantar fasciitis. Common risk factors for plantar fasciitis include having a job that requires standing for much of the day, being an athlete (particularly a runner), wearing non-supportive shoes and having high arches or flatfeet. 


Differences Between Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs

Before diving into the differences, it is important to understand the similarities between these two conditions. In many patients, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs co-exist, often resulting from a common source, and both have the potential to result in pain. However, pain directly linked to heel spurs is far less common than plantar fasciitis. Whereas an inflamed plantar fascia is almost guaranteed to cause discomfort, only one in twenty patients with heel spurs develop symptoms. Furthermore these symptoms are rarely due to the spur itself, but rather the irritation and inflammation it causes in surrounding tissues, including the plantar fascia. 

This likelihood to cause pain is a key differentiator between the conditions. Patients often enter their initial orthopedic visit believing that their heel pain must be the result of heel spurs. The name would certainly make that seem a logical conclusion. However, the majority of these will be diagnosed as plantar fasciitis. 


Treating Heel Pain in Baton Rouge

When you are experiencing consistent, chronic heel pain, it is important to seek orthopedic care, even if your symptoms tend to improve throughout the day. Ignoring your discomfort and pushing through with normal activity could potentially worsen any underlying condition and complicate the treatment and recovery process. To learn what is causing your own foot pain, contact the Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, and request an appointment with one of our foot and ankle specialists.

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The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 11, 2025
Damage to the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones, can cause severe pain and impair movement.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • January 31, 2025
While it is often associated with aging, arthritis can affect individuals at any stage of life. Understanding the different types of arthritis and how to manage them at various life stages is key to maintaining a high quality of life.

Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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