On the sole of the foot, between the heel and the base of the toes, lies a dense band of connective tissue that forms a natural support structure beneath the skin. This is the plantar fascia—a strong, elastic tissue that, in certain areas, can reach a thickness of up to half a centimeter.
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition affecting this tissue and is categorized among overuse syndromes. It is more commonly seen in women than men and typically affects individuals between the ages of 40 and 60.
In many cases, radiological imaging reveals a bony outgrowth at the bottom of the heel, known as a heel spur (or acanthus). On X-rays, it appears as a pointed projection resembling a thorn. A heel spur is a type of osteophyte—a bony growth formed when scar tissue accumulates and calcium salts are gradually deposited and ossified.
There is a bi-directional relationship between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs: chronic inflammation from plantar fasciitis can lead to the formation of a spur, and conversely, the presence of a spur can irritate the fascia, contributing to or triggering plantar fasciitis.