Heel Spur

A heel spur (also known as a “calcaneal spur”) is a benign bony growth that protrudes forward on the underside of the heel bone. Although most people with a heel spur experience no symptoms at all, it can lead to pain, inflammation and swelling by the heel.  It is also often associated with plantar fasciitis – a condition where the fibrous band on the sole of the foot becomes strained and inflamed.  

That being said, heel spurs are usually not the cause of your pain but the reaction to the issue/condition at hand. 

Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to help manage the pain associated with heel spurs.  Early treatment and care by a foot specialist can help relieve symptoms and prevent recurrences. If conservative measures fail, surgery may be indicated. 

More often than not, heel spurs are asymptomatic and will not cause pain. However, they may be associated with the following signs and symptoms:

• Heel pain with increased weight bearing activities such as walking, jogging, or running
• Heel swelling
• Calluses on the bottom of your heel (this is from the body’s attempt to provide extra padding over a protruding spur)
• Decreased foot mobility

For another common cause of heel pain see plantar fasciitis.

Effective treatment of a heel spur involves managing the heel spur symptoms and addressing the condition that caused it in the first place.  As plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel spurs, the treatment for plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are similar (click here for more information about treating plantar fasciitis). 

Heel spur treatment often includes:

• Stretching and strengthening exercises:  You can view some helpful stretches here.
• Rest:  This is usually done for the first few weeks of recovery. 
• Properly fitted custom orthotics or orthopedic shoes:  These will support the arches of your feet and reduce stress on the heel.  Orthotics and orthopedic shoes also encourage proper biomechanical movement and gait, which, in combination with the arch support, can prevent recurrence. 
• Shockwave therapy: This would target the underlying plantar fasciitis and any affected muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia.
• Over-the-counter insoles or modified insoles:  The knowledgeable staff at our foot clinic can help you find insoles that properly support your arches and alleviate stress from the heel.  We can also get you modified insoles that are customized especially for you and your unique foot needs.  
• Taking ill-fitting footwear out of rotation

If you have persistent heel pain, schedule a diagnostic assessment with our own licensed Chiropodists (foot specialists). Use the booking form below or call 416-769-FEET(3338).

A foot specialist and the knowledgeable staff at our foot clinic can also fit you for orthotics and help you find footwear and supports that are perfectly tailored for your needs and activities.  

Our Toronto foot clinic is open Monday to Friday from 9am-6pm and Saturdays from 9am-4pm. You do not need a referral to become a patient at our Foot clinic.

The following factors and existing foot conditions can increase your risk of developing a heel spur:

• Wearing poorly fitted, unsupportive footwear
• Having a tight plantar fascia
• Having plantar fasciitis
• Having flat feet or high arches
• Participating in high-impact sports that involve running and jumping
• Being overweight 

All of the above cause recurrent strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that connect to the heel bone, which triggers the buildup of calcium deposits on the heel. 

Here are various foot care solutions that can help prevent heel spurs:

• Wear supportive shoes with good shock absorption and arch support.  The knowledgeable staff at our foot clinic can help you find the shoes that best suit your needs and activities.  
• Switch to lower-impact sports, like cycling or swimming
• Gradually ease into activities 
• Routinely stretch your arches, Achilles tendons, and calves:  You can read this article on exercises for preventing plantar fasciitis.  You can also check out our Stretching Series on Pinterest for video demonstrations and infographics of stretches and exercises for healthy feet, ankles and calves.

Our foot clinic is open six days a week and offers a large selection of supportive and cushioning footwear.