Heel Spur Syndrome

What is a heel spur?

A heel spur is a condition that develops in your foot when calcium builds up between the arch of your foot and your heel. Heel spurs can grow in a variety of shapes and sizes, appearing hooked or pointed.

Generally, a spur grows from underneath your heel towards the arch of your foot into the area known as the plantar fascia, a band of fibrous tissue that travels along the sole of your foot.

What causes heel spurs?

There are a number of conditions that cause inflammation in the foot, which can trigger the growth of bone spurs. In many cases, the spurs develop in areas where cartilage or tendons are inflamed or injured.

Two of the most common causes of bone spurs in the heel are osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that breaks down cartilage protecting your bones, and tendonitis in your foot, which causes inflammation in your tendons.

While plantar fasciitis doesn’t cause heel spurs, you may be at increased risk for spurs if you have this condition.

What are the symptoms of heel spurs?

Depending on the location where the heel spur develops, you may not have any symptoms. If the spur develops close enough to irritate surrounding soft tissue, you may experience issues in the heel or foot, such as:

• Numbness
• Weakness
• Tenderness

Persistent pain may also interfere with your ability to stay active, making it difficult to walk or put any pressure on your heel.

How are heel spurs diagnosed?

If you have pain in your heel that isn’t relieved with over-the-counter medications and rest, Dr. Hunter performs a physical exam to identify areas of swelling or tenderness.

Imaging tests, like X-rays or a CT scan, also help Dr. Hunter find bone spurs or other issues that may be contributing to your pain.

What treatments are available for heel spurs?

If you have pain and other symptoms due to heel spurs, Dr. Hunter creates a treatment plan with the goal to reduce your pain and inflammation as quickly as possible.

Treatment may include anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications. Steroid injections may also be beneficial and provide you with long-lasting inflammation and pain relief. You might also need shoe inserts or pads to provide extra cushioning for your heel.

In cases where spurs are causing severe irritation to surrounding tendons, nerves, and ligaments, Dr. Hunter may recommend surgery.

If you have persistent heel pain that makes it difficult to walk, schedule an evaluation at Hunter Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC online or by phone today.