What is a heel spur?

A heel spur is a bony overgrowth that sticks out from the bottom of your foot. A heel spur typically results from an inflamed ligament (plantar fascia) on the bottom of the foot and attaches to the heel bone, the spur digs into the plantar fascia causing small tears. 

Heel spurs located beneath the sole of the foot can be associated with inflammation of the plantar fascia, and heel spurs located at the back of the heel are frequently associated with inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

Causes of a heel spur:

• Patients having a history of foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis

• Being overweight or having a sudden weight gain

• Wearing incorrect shoes

• Standing for excessively long periods of time

• Frequently walking barefoot

Common signs and symptoms:

• Pain with first step in the morning

• Pain and discomfort when walking after periods of rest

• Pain and discomfort with prolonged walking or activity

• Extreme pain in the rear foot when standing or walking

Conservative treatments:

• Rest your foot

• Apply ice

• Elevate the affected foot and leg

• Do not walk with bare feet

• Stretch the plantar fascia during the day and while sleeping

• Use custom-made orthotics: medical devices that support and gently reposition the foot to make each step pain free

• Use a night splint to keep the heel stretched out when you are sleeping

When to visit an orthopaedist?

• After conservative treatment longer than 2 weeks to 1 month does not resolve the pain

• Continuous pain making it more difficult to ambulate

• When seeing noticeable bruising of the heel and plantar fascia area