Do you wake up in the morning with a stabbing pain under your heel when you take your first steps? You’re not alone. Many people call it a heel spur, but in most cases it’s actually something called plantar fasciitis – an irritation of the tendon running along the sole of your foot.
Understanding the difference is important, since it affects both how you treat the pain and how quickly you can get relief.

What’s the difference between heel spur and plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis: An irritated tendon under the foot caused by overuse, leading to sharp heel pain – especially in the morning.

Heel spur: A small bony growth that can sometimes form on the heel bone after long-term irritation – but it’s usually not the spur itself that causes the pain.

👉 In other words: If your heel hurts when you walk or stand, it’s most likely plantar fasciitis.

Common symptoms to look out for

• Sharp pain under the heel when standing or walking
  
• Worst pain in the morning or after rest
  
• Pain that eases temporarily when the foot warms up, only to return later
  
• Symptoms that may last for weeks or months if left untreated
  
  

Recognize yourself here? Then it’s time to take care of your feet – the sooner, the better.

Why do people get plantar fasciitis and heel spurs?

• An overloaded plantar fascia can affect anyone, but the risk increases if you:
• Run or train a lot
  
• Spend long days standing on hard surfaces
  
• Walk barefoot or in thin shoes without cushioning
  
• Have high or low arches
  
• Carry extra weight
  

How to treat and relieve the pain

There are several things you can do yourself to reduce strain on the plantar fascia:

• Rest your foot from heavy impact
  
• Wear shoes with good cushioning
  
• Stretch your calves and the sole of your foot regularly
  
• Offload the heel with an insole or heel cup
  

Many people experience fast relief with the right shoe support – since it reduces pressure on the sorest spot in the heel while stabilizing the foot.

Ortho Movement Powergel Heel Spur Pad – instant heel relief

For immediate comfort with plantar fasciitis or heel spur, we’ve developed the Powergel Heel Spur Pad.

✔ Two-zone system:

• Outer zone in shock-absorbing gel that cushions every step
  
• Inner relief zone that targets pressure exactly where pain is worst
  
  

✔ Customizable: The inner pad can be removed if you need extra relief from a heel spur growth.
✔ Comfortable: Fits most shoes and lets you move more freely – without pain.