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Heel spurs: are they really the cause of your heel pain?

“It’s a heel spur.” Many people hear that after an X-ray for heel pain, and it sounds like the answer: a sharp piece of bone, digging in with every step. It’s an easy picture to believe. It’s also mostly wrong. Understanding why can save you from worrying about the wrong thing, and point you to treatment that works… Most people who have heel spurs don’t have heel pain.

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 The plantar calcaneal spur: a review of anatomy, histology, etiology and key associations

It was initially thought that PCS were the result of traction from the plantar fascia or intrinsic muscles of the foot; however, it is now known that the majority are found deep to the PF, surrounded by fibrocartilage. They are hypothesized to function as an adaptive skeletal response to redistribute the impact forces away from the calcaneal insertion site to the surrounding tissues via a buttressing effect

Articles of Interest

How to Treat Heel Spurs: 7 Ways to Relieve Heel Pain Fast

A heel spur is a small, pointed bony growth on the underside of your heel bone where the plantar fascia (the ligament that supports your arch) attaches. It develops over time from repeated strain. Many people never feel the spur itself; the sharp “first-step” pain most people blame on a spur is usually from plantar fasciitis—an irritated plantar fascia—not the bone. Either way, heel pain can turn every step into a reminder.

Key Considerations When Targeting a Heel Spur

In many cases, conservative treatment approaches can effectively manage heel spurs and alleviate associated symptoms. These non-invasive methods focus on reducing pain, inflammation, and strain on the affected area.

Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs

Heel spurs can be seen on an X-ray. A heel spur can be the result of longstanding (occurring for a long time) tension on the plantar fascia insertion (the spot on the heel bone where the plantar fascia attaches). However, most people who have bone spurs on their heels do not have heel pain. Since heel bone spurs are not the cause of plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciitis pain can be treated without removing the spur.

Plantar Fasciitis vs. Heel Spurs: How to Tell the Difference

The pain from heel spurs and plantar fasciitis tends to worsen first thing in the morning. However, plantar fasciitis pain is usually better after walking and moving around, while heel spur stabbing pain can come back at points during the day.

Plantar Fasciitis vs. Heel Spurs: What’s Causing Your Heel Pain?

Heel spur pain doesn’t always make itself known right away. Many patients live with calcaneal spurs without symptoms, but when discomfort strikes, it often feels like a sharp, stabbing sensation in the heel, especially when standing or walking after a long rest. Unlike plantar fasciitis, heel spur pain persists even after movement begins.

What are Heel Spurs?

Many non-surgical treatment options can provide relief from heel spurs. Though permanent, many patients find relief without the need for surgical intervention. Conservative treatment often consists of rest and lifestyle changes. Applying cold compresses to the area, taking anti-inflammatory medication, and using orthotic inserts and supports within your shoes are all non-surgical treatment options. Additionally, physical therapy exercises and stretches can help to relieve tension and pain along the heel and arch of the foot

What is a Heel Spur and How Can I Fix It?

Heel spurs will not go away on their own, but they will rarely be the primary cause of heel pain. The focus of treatment is usually on managing the underlying causes and relieving symptoms rather than directly removing the heel spur itself.