Heel Spurs

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Serving the Butler area with exceptional podiatric care since 1994

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Four board-certified podiatrists with extensive surgical experience

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Serving the Butler area with exceptional podiatric care since 1994

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside or back of the heel bone, often in association with chronic inflammation of the surrounding tissues. They are extremely common, and while many people have heel spurs without ever knowing it, others experience significant pain that affects walking, working, and overall quality of life. At Family Foot Care in Butler, PA, our podiatrists carefully evaluate heel pain to determine the role the spur is actually playing and to develop a treatment plan that addresses the true source of discomfort.

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It is a widely held misconception that heel spurs themselves are the cause of heel pain. In fact, the spur is usually a sign of long-standing stress on the heel rather than the actual pain generator. Most heel spurs on the bottom of the heel develop in response to chronic tension in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. The pain patients feel is typically caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia itself, a condition known as plantar fasciitis, rather than by the spur. Heel spurs on the back of the heel are often associated with Achilles tendon problems and conditions such as Haglund's deformity. Understanding which tissue is actually inflamed is the key to effective treatment.

Symptoms typically include sharp pain in the heel that is worst with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of sitting, then improves with movement only to return after extended activity. Some patients describe the sensation as stepping on a tack. Tenderness, swelling, and warmth may be present, and prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces makes the pain worse.

Our evaluation includes a thorough history, careful examination of the heel and surrounding structures, and weight-bearing X-rays to assess for spurs and other bony changes. We also look for contributing factors such as flat feet, high arches, tight calf muscles, and improper footwear. Diagnostic ultrasound is sometimes used to assess the plantar fascia and identify any partial tears.

Conservative treatment is highly effective for the great majority of patients. Stretching exercises for the calf and plantar fascia, supportive footwear, custom orthotics that cushion the heel and support the arch, anti-inflammatory medications, ice therapy, and night splints all play important roles. Cortisone injections can provide rapid relief during severe flare-ups. Surgery is rarely needed but is available when conservative care has been exhausted. Our goal is to relieve heel pain and identify the underlying causes so it does not return.