HEEL SPUR
Heel spur: small bony growth at the heel where the plantar fascia or Achilles attaches. Often painless; can cause sharp pain with first steps or after standing. The page outlines causes, symptoms, and relief steps.
WHAT IS A HEEL SPUR?
A heel bone spur or calcaneal spur is extra bone that develops as your body’s response to ongoing stress at the heel. Think of it as the bone laying down a little reinforcement at the point of pull. Heel spurs are often linked with plantar fasciitis or tight calf muscles. An X-ray can show the spur, but the size of the spur does not always match the level of pain. Many people have a spur without symptoms, and others have pain from soft tissue irritation even when the spur is small.
HOW A SPUR IS DIAGNOSED
Your clinician will review your symptoms, check foot alignment, and press on key points to locate the source of pain. An X-ray can confirm a calcaneal spur. Imaging also helps rule out other problems like a foot bone stress fracture or arthritis. A diagnosis is based on the whole picture, not just the X-ray.
WHAT CAUSES HEEL SPURS?
Several factors can lead to repeated stress at the heel that triggers new bone growth.
- Repetitive impact from running, court sports, or jobs that require long hours standing
- Tight calf muscles that pull on the heel with each step
- Flat feet or high arches that change how force travels through the foot
- Worn shoes that fail to cushion the heel
- Increased body weight or a sudden jump in activity
- A history of plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy
Understanding what causes heel spurs for you helps your care team choose the right mix of stretches, footwear changes, and activity adjustments.
TREATMENT FOR HEEL SPURS
Most people improve without surgery when they combine a few simple strategies.
- Activity changes. Reduce impact for a few weeks. Try cycling, rowing, or swimming.
- Stretching plan. Daily calf and plantar fascia stretches reduce the pull on the heel.
- Footwear upgrade. Choose supportive shoes with good cushioning and a slight heel rise.
- Ice and short courses of medication. Ice after activity. Use anti-inflammatory medicine only if approved for you.
- Physical therapy. Targeted exercises improve flexibility and foot strength. Therapists can add taping or manual therapy.
- Injections or shockwave therapy. Considered when pain lingers despite the steps above.
WHEN IS TIME TO SEE AN SPECIALIST
Make an appointment if:
- Heel pain lasts more than two weeks despite rest and shoe changes
- Your first steps in the morning are getting worse
- You cannot stand or walk for normal daily tasks
- You have diabetes or nerve issues and are unsure about the cause of pain
- You have tried inserts and stretches yet still struggle to function
Early guidance prevents small problems from turning into long-lasting pain.
Foot & Ankle Physicians
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: ARE HEEL SPURS THE MAIN REASON MY HEEL HURTS?
Not always. Many people with a heel bone spur have no pain. Often the soft tissue around the spur is the true source of symptoms.
Q: CAN A CALCANEAL SPUR GO AWAY ON ITS OWN?
The spur itself usually stays, but pain can resolve when you reduce pull on the heel and calm inflammation.
Q: WHAT SHOES SHOULD I WEAR FOR A CALCANEAL SPUR?
Choose cushioned, supportive shoes with a slight heel rise. Pair them with heel spur shoe inserts if your clinician recommends them.
Q: DO I NEED SURGERY FOR HEEL SPURS?
Surgery is rarely needed. Most patients do well with stretching, footwear changes, therapy, and other non-surgical care.
Q: HOW LONG UNTIL I FEEL BETTER?
Many people improve within 4 to 8 weeks with a consistent plan. More stubborn cases may take longer, especially if calf tightness is severe.
Q: CAN I KEEP EXERCISING?
Yes, but choose low-impact options while pain calms. Your provider can map a safe return to walking, running, or sport.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD RELIEF
A short visit with a foot and ankle specialist can confirm the source of your heel pain and build a plan that fits your life.
