Heel Spur Treatment

Home > Conditions We Treat > Heel Conditions We Treat > Heel Spur Treatment

Background

If you’re experiencing ongoing heel pain, especially pain that worsens in the morning or when standing after rest, you may have developed a heel spur. However, it’s important to understand that a heel spur is not typically the direct cause of your heel pain.

Heel spurs are often a secondary result of an underlying condition, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. By addressing these root causes, symptoms generally improve, and heel spurs usually don’t require specific treatment.

Despite some health professionals suggesting that heel spurs cause heel pain, this is a misconception. Studies have shown that many people with heel pain don’t have heel spurs, and conversely, many people with heel spurs experience no pain at all.

xray image of a heel spur with the heel spur indicated by red in the photo
Heel Spur Shown In Red

Table of Contents

What Is A Heel Spur?

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone over time, often as a response to damage in the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon, both of which attach to the heel bone. When these tissues undergo persistent injury or strain for more than 6-8 weeks, the body may compensate by adding extra bone at the attachment site. On X-rays, heel spurs appear as bony protrusions facing the same direction as the affected tissue. This is why spurs can form at the bottom of the heel (with the plantar fascia) or at the back of the heel (with the Achilles tendon).
 
Some individuals may develop a spur on one foot, while others may have spurs on both feet. However, it’s important to note that most heel pain stems from damage and inflammation in the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon, not from the spur itself. This is why the primary focus of treatment is to address the damaged tissues, often resolving the pain completely. Heel spur surgery should only be considered a last resort.
 
At Priority Podiatry Clinic, our podiatrists are experienced in treating a variety of causes of heel pain, and we work to prevent these issues from recurring in the future.

Who Is Prone To Heel Spurs?

Heel spurs can develop in anyone who has had plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis for a prolonged period, typically over 6-8 weeks. Certain groups may have a higher likelihood of developing heel spurs, including:

  • Women: Regularly wearing high-heeled shoes can shorten the Achilles tendon over time, increasing the risk of heel spur formation.
  • Older adults: Years of wear and tear on the feet can contribute to heel spurs. Additionally, older adults are more likely to have a thinner fat pad on the heel (Fat Pad Syndrome), which reduces cushioning and may heighten the risk.
  • Active individuals: Those involved in high levels of physical activity, such as athletes or sports enthusiasts, are more prone to heel spurs, especially if they’ve experienced persistent heel pain over the years.

Visit Us Today

Phone: 07 5510 9222

Located within Hope Island Marketplace Medical & Skin Clinic, 99-103 Broadwater Ave Hope Island QLD 4212

Phone: 07 5546 9766

 Located Within Jimboomba Medical Centre, Unit 1/69 Cerina Cct, Jimboomba QLD 4280

Phone: 07 3287 2224

Located Within Beenleigh Mall Medical Centre, Shop24A, 40/68 Main Street, Beenleigh QLD 4207

Phone: 07 2889 1666

Located Within Eagleby Family Practice, 5/120 River Hills Rd, Eagleby QLD 4207

Phone: 07 4635 6111

Located Within Toowoomba Medical Centre, 146 Drayton Road, Harristown QLD 4350

Phone: 07 3067 2370

Located Within Marsden Family Doctors, Shop 28/55-77 Chambers Flat Rd, Marsden QLD 4132

Phone: 07 3355 4082

Located Within Keperra Medical Clinic, 14 Dallas Parade Keperra QLD 4054

Phone: 07 5573 5663

Located Within Doctors @ Coomera Central, Shop 6, 21 Coomera Grand Drive, Upper Coomera, QLD 4209

Phone: 07 4633 8700

Located Within Ochre Medical Centre Wyalla, Shop 20, 238 Taylor Street, Newtown QLD 4350

Heel Spur Treatment

Since a heel spur, if present, is often not the source of heel pain, the first step in addressing the pain is to accurately diagnose its underlying cause. Common causes include the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, or other structures around the heel, such as the fat pad.

Treatment will be tailored to the specific diagnosis. In many cases, underlying foot and gait issues, such as excess pronation (feet rolling inward) or supination (feet rolling outward), contribute to the problem and need to be addressed.

Focusing on treating the damaged structures often resolves pain and symptoms entirely. If symptoms persist, surgery to remove the heel spur may be considered, but this is typically a last resort. The best approach to heel pain remains prevention through early intervention and management.

Enquire Now

Heel Spur FAQ's

Certain stretches can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with heel spurs, while also addressing the inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis. Strengthening and stretching your calf muscles can further ease tightness, a common contributor to heel pain.
 
One simple stretch involves sitting and gently pulling your toes back toward your shin, which stretches the plantar fascia and relieves tightness that often develops overnight.
 
Another effective technique is rolling a tennis ball under your foot to stretch and loosen the fascia along the bottom of your feet, providing additional relief.

The most common symptom of a heel spur is heel pain, which may feel like a sharp pain when standing or a constant dull ache. In some cases, a small bony protrusion may be visible under the heel, which can be tender and make walking barefoot uncomfortable.

However, not everyone with a heel spur experiences symptoms. The only definitive way to confirm the presence of heel spurs is through an X-ray.

Heel spurs are caused by strain on the foot muscles and ligaments, particularly over the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon. When these tissues are repeatedly damaged or injured, the body may respond by adding bone to the tendon insertion site. This repetitive stress can be triggered by factors such as walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces. Heel spurs may also develop from wearing shoes that do not provide proper support for the foot.
In most cases, heel spurs are not genetically related. Instead, they are typically caused by damage to the muscles and ligaments in the foot due to repetitive stress or strain.

Heel Spur Affecting You?

Book An Appointment With Us Today!
Find A Clinic Near You

Not The Condition You Are Looking For?

Find out more about the conditions we treat by clicking below.

Conditions We Treat