Heel Spurs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Heel spurs, or calcaneal spurs, are bony growths on the bottom of the heel bone. They can cause significant discomfort and interfere with daily activities, affecting everything from walking to exercising. Heel spurs are often associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis and can develop slowly. It’s important to understand how heel spurs can affect you and what they may present like so that you can get the treatment you need as soon as possible! Dr. Heather Hall Morse, Dr. Raymond Noonan, Jr., and Dr. Abigail Skov at Northside Podiatry in Sandy Springs and Atlanta, GA, can explain how heel spurs affect you and what you need to know about them. 

What To Know About Heel Spurs 

Heel spurs are small, hook-like bony outgrowths that form where the heel bone meets the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. They can be as small as a few millimeters but can cause pain and irritation by pressing into the surrounding tissues, particularly when on your feet. Heel spurs often develop as a response to prolonged stress or strain on the foot. 

Heel spurs are typically caused by strain on the muscles and ligaments in the foot. When the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel bone, calcium deposits can build up over time, eventually forming a spur. Heel spurs can be caused by factors like: 

• Repetitive stress 
• Incorrect foot structure 
• Age 
• Obesity 
• Improper footwear 
• Certain medical conditions 

Not all heel spurs cause pain; in some cases, people may not realize they have them. However, when symptoms are present, they can be persistent and affect daily activities. Common symptoms include: 

• Heel pain 
• Pain during activity 
• Swelling and inflammation 
• Heat or warmth 
• A visible bump on the heel 

Heel spur treatment from your podiatrist in Sandy Springs and Atlanta, GA, will vary based on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. Most cases can be managed with conservative treatments, while surgery is considered only when all other options have been exhausted. Often, your podiatrist may recommend rest, icing the heel, stretching the feet, and taking over-the-counter pain medications.  

Contact Our Podiatrists Today 

Find out how to deal with heel spurs. Contact Dr. Morse, Dr. Noonan, and Dr.  Skov at Northside Podiatry in Sandy Springs and Atlanta, GA, to learn more about heel spurs and how you can manage them. Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (404) 843-0090.