Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone. Although they do not always cause symptoms, they may occur alongside conditions that produce pain underneath or behind the heel.
At Preferred Footcare, our podiatrists evaluate heel pain to determine whether the symptoms are related to a heel spur, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon irritation, or another foot condition. We provide personalized heel spur treatment in Stamford, Connecticut, based on the source and severity of your discomfort.
If heel pain is making it difficult to walk, exercise, or stand comfortably, call (203) 975-9600 or request an appointment with Preferred Footcare.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur is a bony growth that develops where soft tissue attaches to the heel bone. It usually forms gradually in response to repeated strain or pressure.
There are two common types of heel spurs:
Plantar Heel Spurs
Plantar heel spurs develop underneath the heel, near the attachment of the plantar fascia.
Posterior Heel Spurs
Posterior heel spurs develop at the back of the heel, near the attachment of the Achilles tendon.
Heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendon problems. However, finding a spur on an X-ray does not necessarily mean that it is causing the pain. Many people have heel spurs without experiencing any symptoms.
A podiatric evaluation can determine whether the discomfort is coming from the spur, the surrounding soft tissue, or another condition.
What Causes Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs generally develop over time rather than appearing suddenly. Repeated pulling, stress, or pressure at the attachment of a ligament or tendon may encourage additional bone to form.
Factors that may contribute to heel spur development include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendon irritation
- Flat feet or unusually high arches
- Abnormal walking patterns
- Tight calf muscles
- Poorly fitted or unsupportive shoes
- Repetitive running or jumping
- Regular activity on hard surfaces
- Standing for extended periods
- Increased pressure on the feet
- Age-related changes in foot structure
A heel spur may also develop when the foot repeatedly attempts to stabilize itself against abnormal movement. This is why treatment should address the underlying cause rather than focusing only on the bony growth.
Heel Spur Symptoms
Heel spurs do not always cause pain. In many cases, they are discovered during an X-ray performed for another reason.
When symptoms occur, they may be caused by irritation or inflammation of the surrounding tissue rather than by the spur itself.
Possible symptoms include:
- Pain underneath the heel
- Pain at the back of the heel
- Discomfort during the first steps in the morning
- Pain after standing or sitting for an extended period
- Tenderness when pressure is applied to the heel
- Swelling or inflammation around the heel
- Pain after walking, running, or exercising
- A visible or noticeable bump at the back of the heel
- Difficulty wearing certain shoes
Pain underneath the heel is often associated with plantar fasciitis. Pain at the back of the heel may be related to the Achilles tendon or irritation caused by footwear.
Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, an examination is necessary before determining the appropriate treatment.
How Heel Spurs Are Diagnosed
A heel spur cannot usually be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. The podiatrist will examine the foot, identify the location of the pain, and look for conditions that may be affecting the surrounding tissue.
During your appointment, the podiatrist may:
- Ask when the pain began
- Determine when the symptoms are most noticeable
- Examine the bottom and back of the heel
- Check for tenderness, swelling, or inflammation
- Evaluate your arch structure
- Assess the flexibility of your foot and ankle
- Examine the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon
- Observe how you stand and walk
- Review your footwear and physical activities
An X-ray may be used to confirm the presence, size, and location of a heel spur. Other imaging may be recommended if the podiatrist suspects a soft-tissue injury, stress fracture, nerve problem, or another cause of heel pain.
The examination is important because treatment should focus on the structure causing the symptoms. Removing or treating the spur may not be necessary if the pain is coming from an inflamed plantar fascia, irritated tendon, or another condition.
Heel Spur Treatment Options
Treatment is based on the cause of the pain rather than the appearance of the spur alone. Most patients begin with conservative care designed to reduce pressure and irritation around the heel.
Your treatment plan may include:
Activity Modification
Temporarily reducing activities that aggravate the heel may allow the affected tissue to recover. This may include limiting running, jumping, or prolonged standing.
Ice Therapy
Applying a wrapped ice pack to the painful area may help manage discomfort and inflammation. Ice should not be placed directly against the skin.
Supportive Footwear
Shoes with proper cushioning, arch support, and heel stability can reduce stress on the heel. Patients with a spur at the back of the heel may benefit from footwear that does not rub against the painful area.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching the plantar fascia, calf muscles, and Achilles tendon may reduce tension around the heel. Your podiatrist can recommend appropriate exercises based on the location of your symptoms.
Heel Pads and Shoe Inserts
Heel pads or shoe inserts may provide additional cushioning and reduce pressure on sensitive areas. These products do not remove the spur, but they may help improve comfort.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics may be recommended when foot structure or abnormal movement contributes to recurring heel pain. They are designed to support the foot and redistribute pressure during walking.
Padding, Taping, or Bracing
Taping can provide temporary arch support, while padding may protect irritated areas. A night splint or brace may be considered depending on the related condition.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may help improve flexibility, strength, and foot function. It can also address movement patterns that repeatedly place stress on the heel.
Medication or Injection Therapy
Medication or injection therapy may be considered when appropriate. Your podiatrist will discuss the potential benefits and risks before recommending these options.
EPAT and Shockwave Therapy
EPAT or shockwave therapy may be considered when heel pain related to plantar fasciitis or another soft-tissue condition does not improve with initial care. These treatments target the affected tissue rather than removing the heel spur.
Immobilization
A walking boot may be used when symptoms are severe or the affected tissue requires additional rest. Immobilization is generally used for a limited period.
Surgery
Surgery is not necessary for most heel spurs. It may be considered if severe symptoms continue after an appropriate period of nonsurgical treatment.
Depending on the source of the pain, surgery may involve addressing the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, inflamed tissue, or the heel spur itself. The recommended procedure will depend on the diagnosis and location of the symptoms.
How to Help Prevent Heel Pain From Returning
A heel spur does not always need to be removed. Long-term care often focuses on reducing the repetitive strain that contributed to its development.
Preventive steps may include:
- Wearing supportive, properly fitted shoes
- Replacing athletic shoes when they become worn
- Stretching the calves and plantar fascia regularly
- Increasing exercise intensity gradually
- Avoiding prolonged barefoot walking on hard surfaces
- Using custom orthotics as directed
- Maintaining a balanced exercise routine
- Allowing time for rest and recovery
- Addressing recurring heel pain early
Your podiatrist can recommend preventive measures based on your foot structure, occupation, activity level, and diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heel Spurs
Do heel spurs always cause pain?
No. Many heel spurs do not cause symptoms and are only discovered during an X-ray. Pain near a heel spur may come from inflammation or irritation of the surrounding tissue.
Is a heel spur the same as plantar fasciitis?
No. A heel spur is a bony growth, while plantar fasciitis affects the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. The conditions may occur together, but they are not the same.
Can a heel spur go away without surgery?
The bony growth itself may remain, but symptoms can often improve without removing it. Conservative treatment focuses on reducing pressure, inflammation, and strain around the heel.
Can custom orthotics help with heel spurs?
Custom orthotics may help when foot structure or abnormal movement contributes to heel pain. They can support the arch and redistribute pressure, but they do not physically remove the spur.
Can shockwave therapy remove a heel spur?
Shockwave therapy does not normally remove the bony growth. It may be recommended to address persistent pain involving the plantar fascia or other affected soft tissue.
When is heel spur surgery necessary?
Surgery may be considered when severe symptoms continue despite an appropriate period of conservative treatment. The decision should be based on the cause of the pain, not only the presence of a spur on an X-ray.
When should I see a podiatrist?
Schedule an appointment if heel pain persists, keeps returning, or limits your ability to walk and exercise. Prompt evaluation is also recommended if you experience significant swelling, numbness, weakness, or difficulty putting weight on the foot.
Schedule a Heel Spur Evaluation in Stamford, CT
Heel pain should not be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. Preferred Footcare can determine whether your discomfort is related to a heel spur, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon irritation, or another foot condition.
Call (203) 975-9600 or request an appointment online for a heel spur evaluation in Stamford, Connecticut.
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