How do i know if heel pain is plantar fasciitis or stress fracture?

Get an X-Ray...: That's the real way to tell for sure.

See a podiatrist: Clinical examination and symptoms can typically lead the doc to the diagnosis, but an x-ray is the first definitive test to differentiate the two conditions. However, stress fractures don't always show up within the first 2-3 weeks of injury, so subsequent follow-up x-rays may be ordered. By the way, you can have both simultaneously. Get checked.

X-ray.: The best way to know is to get an x-ray of your foot. Another clue is when it hurts: stress fractures are all the time, while pf hurts most with the first few steps in the morning, or after sitting for a long time.

Xrays/MRI: To address your concern i would recommend seeking medical treatment. If you are suffering from a stress fracture in heel this is something that should not be ignored. Any stress fracture can develop into a true fracture and prolong recovery and possibly need surgery. So if you think you have a stress fracture again seek medical attention. Visit heelpainnow.Com for more information.

See specialist: If you go to the foot and ankle specialist he/she can take an x-ray of the heel to determine if a fracture is present. In general if the symptoms improve after the first few steps after rest, it is probably plantar fasciitis, persistent pain with walking along with swelling and bruising is more suspicious for a fracture.

See a Podiatrist: You need an exam and x-ray to determine which it is.