Bone Spur - Heel Spurs

What is a Bone Spur (Heel Spur)? 

A heel spur is a deposit of calcium on the underside of the heel causing a bonelike protrusion. The spur can extend as much as half an inch. 

Heel spurs can be painless but can also be very painful. Heel spurs are sometimes confused with plantar fasciitis, see our blog post about plantar fasciitis to learn more.

Causes

Heel spurs are formed when calcium deposits are collected on the heel and form over a long period of time usually many months. The heel spur is often caused by staining the ligaments and muscles of the foot, stretching of the plantar fascia, and continual tearing of the membrane covering the heel bone. Running and jumping athletes commonly get heel spurs. 

Symptoms​

It is common for a heel spur to cause no symptoms. But heel spurs can cause inflammation which would lead to pain, especially while running, jogging or even walking. The pain comes not from the heel spur but form the soft tissue that is damaged in association with it. 

The pain is described as being very similar to plantar fasciitis pain. The pain is worst when standing up in the morning and often intense after standing up from sitting for long periods of time.

Treatment

Nonsurgical Treatment

Nonsurgical treatment can include any or all of the following:

• Stretching exercises

• Taping or strapping to rest stressed muscles and tendons

shoe inserts or orthotic devices

• Shoe recommendations

• Night splints

• Physical therapy 

Over-the-counter medication can be helpful in treating heel spur pain. A functional orthotic device can also correct biomechanical imbalances improving heel and arch pain. Some cases may require injection of corticosteroid to relieve inflammation in the area. 

Surgical Treatment

It is very unlikely that you will need surgery for a heel spur but when nonsurgical methods don't help then it may be necessary. Surgeries include:

• Removal of the spur

• Release of the plantar fascia