Heel Spurs

What is a Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a hook of bone that can form on the heel bone of the foot. Heel spurs are associated with plantar fasciitis.

Heel spurs can cause extreme pain in the rearfoot. The pain is most intense while standing or walking.

What Causes Heel Spurs?

Heel spurs develop as an abnormal growth in the heel bone due to calcium deposits that form when the plantar fascia stretches and pulls away from the heel. The plantar fascia is a ligament located at the bottom of your foot.

This stretching of the plantar fascia is usually the result of flat feet or unusually high arches.

Can Heel Spurs be Treated?

Yes. The treatment will depend on what caused the heel spurs. If the cause is flat feet, an orthotic with rearfoot posting and longitudinal arch support can help reduce the over-pronation caused by flat feet.

Other common treatments include:

• stretching exercises
• rest
• applying ice packs to the affected area
• anti-inflammatory medicine
• losing weight
• wearing shoes that have a cushioned heel that absorbs shock
• elevating the heel with the use of a heel cradle, heel cup, or orthotic.

Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs

About 70% of people who have plantar fasciitis will also have a heel spur that is visible on an X-ray.

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