Heel Spurs
A heel spur is a bony outgrowth on the underside of the heel bone that develops over time due to chronic tension or inflammation where soft tissue attaches to the bone. It’s often associated with plantar fasciitis, causing pain and discomfort with walking or standing.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our podiatrists evaluate heel pain using physical exam and imaging to confirm the diagnosis and create a personalized plan focusing on pain relief, inflammation control, and long-term prevention.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Heel spur symptoms often mimic those of plantar fasciitis, with pain in the heel during the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. You may notice:
- Sharp pain at the bottom of the heel when standing
- Pain that worsens with prolonged activity
- Mild swelling or tenderness along the heel edge
During your initial visit, your podiatrist will examine your gait, footwear, and areas of tenderness to determine whether pain is due to a spur, tendon irritation, or fascia inflammation.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Clinical examination of the heel and arch
- X-rays to confirm the presence and size of the spur
- Ultrasound or MRI if soft-tissue inflammation or plantar fasciitis is also suspected
Heel spurs are often found incidentally on imaging, even in people without symptoms, so your podiatrist will correlate imaging with clinical findings before recommending treatment.
Treatment
Most heel spurs improve with nonsurgical management focused on reducing pressure and inflammation.
Conservative Care
- Custom orthotics or heel cushions to reduce strain
- Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon
- NSAIDs for pain relief and inflammation
- Night splints or supportive footwear to maintain flexibility
Advanced Options
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for chronic pain
- Surgery (spur removal) only if symptoms persist despite conservative therapy
Ongoing Management & Prevention
Long-term management focuses on addressing underlying causes such as overuse, tight calf muscles, or poor footwear. Your podiatrist may recommend:
- Ongoing stretching and strengthening exercises
- Replacing worn shoes regularly
- Weight management to reduce pressure on the heels
With early and consistent care, heel pain from spurs can be managed effectively, allowing full return to activity without surgery in most cases.