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Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain

Heel Spurs

Causes, symptoms, and treatment for heel spurs, with care at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.

Part of Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain

Understanding heel spurs and your options.

A heel spur is a small, bony bump that grows on the underside of the heel bone. It forms slowly, often over months or years, as the body reacts to steady pulling on the foot's tissues. Many spurs are seen on X-rays in people who feel nothing at all.

Spurs are more common in adults and in people who run, stand a lot, or have plantar fasciitis. The pain people feel usually comes from the irritated tissue nearby, and treating that tissue early often brings relief.

Also called: Calcaneal Spurs

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Heel Spurs care

Symptoms

Signs of heel spurs.

If you notice these signs, an exam can give you clear answers.

  • 01

    Pain at the bottom of the heel when you stand or walk

  • 02

    A feeling like a small stone under the heel

  • 03

    Tenderness when you press on the front of the heel

  • 04

    Soreness that is worse after rest or long activity

Why it happens

What can cause heel spurs.

  • 01

    Long-term pulling of the foot's supporting band on the heel bone

  • 02

    Repeated impact from running or hard-surface work

  • 03

    Tight calves and stiff feet

  • 04

    Poorly fitting shoes or worn-out footwear

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Diagnosis and care

How we treat heel spurs.

Step 1 · Diagnosis

A weight-bearing X-ray is the best way to see a spur, and it also shows the shape of the heel bone. We check where it hurts, because the spur itself is often not the source of pain. This helps us tell whether the true problem is the nearby fascia or another condition.

Step 2 · Treatment

Treatment aims at the sore tissue around the spur. Padded heel cups, custom orthotics, and roomy, cushioned shoes reduce pressure on the bone. Stretching, physical therapy, and taping can ease pulling on the heel. Shockwave therapy or an injection may be tried when pain lingers.

Surgery to remove a spur is rare and is only considered after a long trial of other care. The bump does not need to be removed just because it appears on an X-ray.

Recovery

What to expect over time.

Most people feel better over weeks to a few months once the irritated tissue calms down. The spur usually stays on the X-ray, but pain can still go away.

When to book

Do not wait it out.

See us if heel pain keeps returning or lasts longer than two weeks. Get checked promptly if the heel looks red, feels hot, or hurts even at rest.

Call 615-220-8788

Related care

More in Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain.

FAQ

Your questions answered.

Do heel spurs go away on their own?

The bone itself does not shrink, but the pain often fades with care. Many people live comfortably with a spur.

Do I need surgery to remove the spur?

Most people do not. Pain is usually managed by treating the soft tissue and easing pressure on the heel.

Get help with heel spurs.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788

Where we treat it

Heel Spurs care at 15 clinics.

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