Bone Spurs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Heel pain nagging you like a toddler who won’t take “no” for an answer?

If you’re dealing with heel pain, you’ve most certainly considered overlooking it, passing it off as a minor nuisance or inconvenience, but it could be something more serious like a bone spur. That’s right, those pesky calcium build-ups have a way of making their presence known, especially in your heel, where all your weight lands day in and day out.

Sure, conditions like Plantar Fasciitis or Posterior Tibial Tendonitis often top the list of suspects, but bone spurs? They’re in a league of their own when it comes to creating chaos on your feet.

Let’s take a closer look into what bone spurs are, how to recognize them, and, most importantly, how to show them the door so you can get back to walking, running, and living without the pain.

What are Bone Spurs in The Foot?

Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are small bony growths that develop along the edges of bones. Think of them as your body’s attempt to reinforce areas under stress or damage. Although bone spurs can form anywhere in the body (your knees, spine, or hands), they’re particularly problematic in the feet.

Your feet endure constant pressure from walking, standing, and supporting your weight all day. When bone spurs develop in your heel, they tend to create a lot of pain with every walking step.

Bone Spurs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Symptoms of Bone Spurs in the Heel

Bone spurs in your foot often develop silently at first, but as they grow, they tend to become quite noticeable and uncomfortable. 

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp or aching pain, especially when standing or walking for long periods.
• Tenderness around the affected area or a noticeable bump under the skin. 
• Swelling and inflammation often make the area sensitive to touch. 
• A reduced range of motion in your feet.

What Causes a Bone Spur in the Foot?

Bone spurs typically form from wear and tear over time, especially in aging joints. Repetitive stress, arthritis, or even poorly fitting shoes can speed up this process. While it’s commendable that your body is trying to adapt to the stress, the result can be anything but comfortable. 

Other causes include:

Aging and Degenerative Conditions

Bone spurs are frequently associated with aging and conditions like osteoarthritis. As we age, the cartilage protecting our joints wears down, causing increased friction between bones. This wear-and-tear triggers the body’s defense mechanism to create new bone, often leading to the development of bone spurs.

Repetitive Stress and Injury

Repetitive motions or prolonged stress on certain joints can also contribute to the formation of bone spurs. Activities such as running, jumping, or standing for long hours, particularly on hard surfaces, put significant strain on your feet. Even a single injury, such as a sprain or fracture, can cause the body to overcompensate by forming bony outgrowths.

Specific Causes of Bone Spurs in the Feet

In the feet, tight or ill-fitting footwear is a common culprit. Shoes that pinch the toes or offer inadequate support can create prolonged pressure points, increasing the likelihood of bone spur development. 

Plantar fasciitis, a condition involving inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, often correlates with heel spurs because your body is attempting to shield the area from ongoing irritation. 

Additionally, being overweight or obese amplifies stress on the feet, further exacerbating the issue.

Bone Spur Treatments

Heel pain isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue. When it comes to managing bone spurs, non-invasive options are often the first line of defense. 

• Physical therapy can help improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the affected area, alleviating pressure on the spur. 
• Anti-inflammatory medications may reduce pain and swelling, while orthotic devices like cushioned shoe inserts can redistribute pressure and provide relief.
• Wearing properly fitted shoes with adequate arch support and avoiding repetitive stress on your feet can prevent worsening symptoms. 

In severe cases, medical interventions like corticosteroid injections may be recommended to manage inflammation, or surgical removal may be necessary to eliminate the spur entirely.

Early diagnosis and treatment will help reduce discomfort, restore your mobility, and help you get back to your daily routine.

Managing and Preventing Bone Spurs: What To Do Next 

Bone spurs in the feet usually start as a small nuisance but, left unchecked, will lead to severe pain and even limited mobility. 

Take the first step toward pain-free movement.

Schedule a visit with our team today to determine if bone spurs are the cause of your discomfort. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan to relieve your pain and help prevent future issues.