What is Heel Spur

Heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the bottom of the heel bone (calcaneus). Heel spurs are common. They often cause inflammation in the band of tissue that connects the toes to the heel bone (plantar fascia).

This may cause pain on the bottom of the foot, near the heel. Many people with plantar fasciitis also have heel spurs. However, spurs are not the cause of plantar fasciitis pain.

What are the causes?

The exact cause of heel spurs is not known. They may be caused by:

• Pressure on the heel bone.
• Bands of tissue (tendons) pulling on the heel bone.

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop this condition if you:

• Are older than 40.
• Are overweight.
• Have wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis).
• Have plantar fascia inflammation.
• Participate in sports or activities that include a lot of running or jumping.
• Wear poorly fitted shoes.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Some people have no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

• Pain in the bottom of your heel.
• Pain that is worse when you first get out of bed.
• Pain that gets worse after walking or standing.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your symptoms and medical history.
• A physical exam.
• A foot X-ray.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on how much pain you have. Treatment options may include:

• Doing stretching exercises.
• Losing weight, if necessary.
• Wearing specific shoes or inserts inside of shoes (orthotics) for comfort and support.
• Wearing splints on your feet while you sleep. Splints keep your feet in a position (usually 90 degrees) that should prevent and relieve the pain you feel when you first get out of bed. They also make stretching easier in the morning.
• Taking over-the-counter medicine to relieve pain, such as NSAIDs.
• Using high-intensity sound waves to break up the heel spur (extracorporeal shock wave therapy).
• Getting steroid injections in your heel to reduce inflammation.
• Having surgery, if your heel spur causes long-term (chronic) pain.

Follow these instructions at home:

Activity

• Avoid activities that cause pain until you recover, or for as long as directed by your health care provider.
• Do stretching exercises as directed. Stretch before exercising or being physically active.

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

• If directed, put ice on your foot:
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Move your toes often to avoid stiffness and to lessen swelling.
• When possible, raise (elevate) your foot above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Wear supportive shoes that fit well. Wear splints, inserts, or orthotics as told by your health care provider.
• If recommended, work with your health care provider to lose weight. This can relieve pressure on your foot.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. These can affect bone growth and healing. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your pain does not go away with treatment.
• Your pain gets worse.

Summary

• A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the bottom of the heel bone (calcaneus).
• Heel spurs often cause inflammation in the band of tissue that connects the toes to the heel bone (plantar fascia). This may cause pain on the bottom of the foot, near the heel.
• Doing stretching exercises, losing weight, wearing specific shoes or shoe inserts, wearing splints while you sleep, and taking pain medicine may ease the pain and stiffness.
• Other treatment options may include high-intensity sound waves to break up the heel spur, steroid injections, or surgery.