Experiencing sharp pain in your heel when you take your first steps in the morning? You might be wondering if it’s a heel spur causing your discomfort. While heel spurs have become a common term associated with heel pain, understanding what they truly are can help you find the right treatment and relief.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand heel spurs, their symptoms, and the most effective treatment approaches available.
What Is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur, medically known as an osteophyte, is a bony outgrowth that develops on the underside of the heel bone (calcaneus). When viewed on an X-ray, this heel spur often appears as a small spike or hook-like projection pointing toward the arch of your foot.
These calcium deposits don’t form overnight. A heel spur develops gradually over many months or even years as calcium builds up in response to chronic stress and inflammation. The spur typically forms where the plantar fascia ligament attaches to the heel bone, developing as your body’s attempt to repair and stabilise the area.
Here’s an interesting fact that surprises many people: approximately 15% of the general population has heel spurs, yet most of these individuals experience no pain whatsoever. Many people only discover they have a foot heel spur when an X-ray is taken for an unrelated reason.
How Do I Know If It’s a Heel Spur?
Identifying a heel spur based on symptoms alone can be challenging because heel spur symptoms often mirror other foot conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis. In fact, in over 95% of cases where patients suspect a heel spur, the actual cause of pain is plantar fasciitis or inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues rather than the spur itself.
Common Heel Spur Symptoms Include:
- Sharp, stabbing pain at the bottom of the heel, especially noticeable when standing up after rest
- Morning pain that tends to be most severe with the first steps after waking
- Pain that improves with movement but returns after periods of rest or prolonged activity
- Tenderness when pressure is applied directly to the heel
- Dull, aching sensation that persists throughout the day
- Discomfort when walking on hard surfaces such as concrete or tiles
- Swelling or inflammation in the heel area (in some cases)
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit a qualified podiatrist for proper diagnosis. A thorough examination should include your medical history, a comprehensive physical assessment, and, when necessary, imaging tests like X-rays to confirm the presence of a heel spur.
What Causes Heel Spurs?
Understanding what triggers heel spur formation is essential for both treatment and prevention. A foot heel spur develops when the plantar fascia tissue repeatedly pulls on the heel bone, creating micro-trauma. Your body responds to this ongoing stress by depositing calcium at the attachment site, eventually forming the bony projection we call a heel spur.
Primary Risk Factors Include:
Biomechanical Issues: Poor foot mechanics, such as flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns, place excessive strain on the heel and plantar fascia.
Prolonged Standing: Jobs or activities requiring extended periods on your feet increase the stress on your heel structures.
High-Impact Activities: Running, jumping, or sports involving repetitive heel impact contribute to heel spur development.
Improper Footwear: Shoes lacking adequate arch support, cushioning, or proper fit can accelerate the formation of heel spurs.
Excess Weight: Additional body weight increases the pressure and stress on your feet, particularly the heels.
Age: As we mature, the natural fat pad cushioning our heels becomes thinner, and the plantar fascia loses some elasticity.
Inflammatory Conditions: Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, can encourage heel spur formation.
How Do You Fix a Heel Spur?
The good news is that heel spur treatment rarely requires surgery. Most patients find significant relief through conservative treatment methods. Experienced podiatrists develop personalised heel spur treatment plans based on your specific condition, lifestyle, and activity level.
Effective Heel Spur Treatment Options:
Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing activities that aggravate your heel pain allows inflammation to settle and healing to begin.
Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times daily helps reduce inflammation and pain.
Stretching Exercises: Targeted stretches for the plantar fascia and calf muscles improve flexibility and reduce tension on the heel attachment.
Footwear Assessment: Professional podiatrists can evaluate your current shoes and recommend supportive footwear with proper cushioning and arch support.
Custom Orthotics: Specially designed orthotic inserts help redistribute pressure away from the painful heel area, provide arch support, and correct biomechanical issues contributing to the problem.
Strapping and Taping: Specialised taping techniques offer immediate support and pain relief while the area heals.
Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises for foot and ankle muscles enhance stability and reduce recurrence risk.
Shockwave Therapy: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy stimulates healing in chronic cases that haven’t responded to other treatments.
Anti-inflammatory Medication: Over-the-counter or prescribed anti-inflammatories help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Corticosteroid Injections: For severe, persistent pain, targeted injections can provide significant relief.
Surgical Intervention: Reserved for rare cases where conservative heel spur treatment fails after 12 months, surgery may involve removing the spur or releasing the plantar fascia.
Evidence-based treatment protocols successfully resolve heel spur symptoms in the vast majority of patients without requiring surgery.
Is Walking Good for Heel Spurs?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask, and the answer isn’t simply yes or no—it depends on your individual situation and pain level.
When Walking Helps: Gentle, controlled walking can maintain blood flow to the area, prevent stiffness, and maintain mobility. Once initial inflammation has settled and you’re following a treatment plan, gradually increasing walking activity can be beneficial for recovery.
When to Limit Walking: If walking causes sharp pain or significantly increases your symptoms, your body is signalling that you need more rest. Continuing to walk through severe pain can prolong healing and potentially worsen the condition.
The Smart Approach: Listen to your body and work with your podiatrist to determine appropriate activity levels. Wear supportive footwear, avoid hard surfaces when possible, and gradually build up your walking duration as symptoms improve. Many patients benefit from alternating activity with rest periods and incorporating proper warm-up stretches.
What Happens If Heel Spurs Are Left Untreated?
Many people worry about the long-term consequences of ignoring heel pain. The reality depends on whether your heel spur is causing symptoms.
If you have an asymptomatic heel spur (one discovered incidentally on an X-ray without causing pain), no treatment is necessary. These spurs can remain indefinitely without causing problems.
However, if you’re experiencing heel pain—whether from the spur itself or associated conditions like plantar fasciitis—leaving it untreated can lead to:
- Chronic, persistent pain that limits daily activities and quality of life
- Compensatory problems as you alter your gait to avoid pain, potentially causing knee, hip, or back issues
- Reduced mobility and activity levels
- Worsening inflammation that becomes more difficult to treat over time
- Development of additional foot problems due to altered biomechanics
- Prolonged recovery time when treatment is eventually sought
The key takeaway: early intervention through proper heel spur treatment provides the best outcomes. Addressing heel pain promptly prevents minor issues from becoming chronic conditions.
Prevention: Protecting Your Feet
While not all heel spurs can be prevented, you can significantly reduce your risk by following these strategies:
- Choose well-fitted, supportive footwear appropriate for your activities
- Keep your body weight within a healthy range to limit pressure on your feet
- Gradually build up the duration and intensity of physical activities
- Practice regular stretching exercises targeting your feet and calf muscles
- Replace old or worn shoes before they stop providing proper support
- Address any foot pain promptly rather than waiting for it to worsen
- Consider custom orthotics if you have biomechanical issues
Expert Care at Sydney Podiatry
At Sydney Podiatry, our experienced team understands that every patient’s heel pain is unique. We don’t just treat symptoms—we identify the underlying causes and develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you’re dealing with a painful heel spur, plantar fasciitis, or general heel discomfort, our foot clinic in Sydney offers the latest evidence-based treatments and technologies. From initial assessment through complete recovery, we’re here to help you return to the activities you love, pain-free.
Don’t let heel pain hold you back. Contact Sydney Podiatry today to schedule your comprehensive heel assessment. Our team is ready to help you take the first step toward lasting relief and optimal foot health.
