What to Do About a Bothersome Heel Spur

Heel pain is a problem for many women and men, particularly for those who spend a lot of time on their feet or engage in activities that subject their feet to repetitive pounding (like running or jumping). But not all heel pain is directly related to your activity — sometimes, those painful symptoms can be linked to an underlying problem called a heel spur.

At Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, Stephen Lazaroff, DPM, FACFAS, and Joel S Segalman, FACFAS, FACFAO, offer focused, patient-centered treatment for heel spurs, tailoring care to the underlying cause of the spur as well as its symptoms. Here, learn the basics about heel spurs and what we can do to help.

Heel spurs 101

Heel spurs are bony overgrowths that form along the bottom of the heel bone. This bone is called the calcaneus, which accounts for heel spurs’ other medical name: calcaneal spurs.

Typically smooth, the calcaneal bone can develop hard growths called spurs along the edge or bottom of the bony surface. These growths may not be painful but can pressure the surrounding tissues, leading to irritation, inflammation, and pain.

Heel spurs form over time from increased pressure on the bony surface. To “protect” itself, the bone lays down additional tissue in the area of strain, creating a “spur” that irritates the ligaments connecting your heel to the ball portion of your foot.

Heel spurs affect about 15% of people, and while anyone can develop a spur, they tend to happen more often among people whose feet get subjected to excessive pressure. They’re also associated with specific foot abnormalities, like unusually high arches or flat feet. 

Finding relief for a painful heel spur

Because spurs are made up of bony tissue, once formed, they don’t go away on their own. Severe and problematic heel spurs can get removed surgically, and fortunately, many people respond well to conservative, nonsurgical treatments.

Address any underlying problems

Sometimes, heel spur pain is worsened by underlying problems like plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. Treating these problems relieves heel pain, as well.

Ice and elevation

Since heel spurs often involve inflammation, painful symptoms respond well to ice and elevation. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines may help, too, especially when combined with ice and elevation.

Orthotics and night splints

Orthotics are custom-designed shoe inserts that help relieve pressure on your heel and correct problems, like a gait or arch issue that could be exacerbating your symptoms. Night splints keep your foot flexed while you sleep, gently stretching your Achilles tendon to reduce irritation and inflammation.

Steroid injections

Corticosteroids are medicines specifically designed to reduce inflammation. Injections deliver corticosteroids directly to the site of pain for quick, powerful relief.

Stretching and strengthening exercises

In addition to ice and elevation, gentle stretching exercises may help by stimulating circulation and promoting natural healing. Stretching and strengthening exercises help tone ligaments and improve foot flexibility for reduced strain on your heel.

EPAT (extracorporeal pulse activation technology)

EPAT is a non-invasive treatment for heel spurs that uses soundwaves to penetrate the skin and help heal damaged tissues around the spur. EPAT promotes healing circulation while relieving pain and inflammation.

Stop suffering from chronic heel pain

Heel pain can cause pain with every step you take. To learn what’s causing your uncomfortable symptoms and how we can help you find relief, request an appointment online or over the phone with the Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists team in Waterbury and Newtown, Connecticut, today.