Bone Spurs: Understanding the Cause of Your Foot or Heel Pain

If you’ve been experiencing sharp pain in your heel or stiffness in your foot or ankle, a bone spur could be to blame. Bone spurs—also known as osteophytes—are common and often misunderstood. While they may sound alarming, they’re not always painful, and many people don’t realize they have one until it begins interfering with daily life.

At Third Coast Foot & Ankle, we specialize in diagnosing and treating bone spurs of the foot and heel, helping you walk comfortably and confidently again.

What Are Bone Spurs?

A bone spur is an abnormal bony growth that forms along the edge of a bone, often in response to pressure, rubbing, or chronic inflammation. In the feet, bone spurs most commonly develop:

  • On the bottom of the heel (plantar heel spur)

  • At the back of the heel near the Achilles tendon

  • Around the toes or ankle joints

These spurs are your body’s response to stress over time. When the body tries to repair itself, it may build up extra bone—resulting in a spur.

What Causes Bone Spurs in the Feet?

Bone spurs are typically caused by:

  • Repetitive stress or strain (such as from running or prolonged standing)

  • Plantar fasciitis – A heel spur may develop where the fascia repeatedly pulls on the heel bone

  • Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

  • Improper footwear that lacks support or alters foot mechanics

  • Tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles

  • Flat feet or high arches

  • Natural aging and wear-and-tear over time

Symptoms of Bone Spurs

Not all bone spurs cause symptoms—but when they do, patients may experience:

  • Sharp or stabbing heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning

  • A dull ache throughout the day while standing or walking

  • Swelling, redness, or tenderness at the spur site

  • A feeling of a lump or bump under the skin

  • Reduced range of motion or stiffness in the foot or ankle

  • Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest

Heel spurs associated with plantar fasciitis are especially common and often worsen without proper support.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Diagnosing a bone spur starts with a physical exam and a discussion of your symptoms. At Third Coast Foot & Ankle, we may use X-rays to confirm the presence and location of a bone spur and determine whether it's contributing to your discomfort.

We also evaluate your gait, foot structure, and range of motion to create a targeted treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause—not just the symptoms.

Treatment Options for Bone Spurs

The good news? Most bone spurs can be treated without surgery. Our treatment approach is focused on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and improving function.

Conservative treatment options include:

  • Custom orthotics to redistribute pressure and improve alignment

  • Supportive footwear to cushion and protect the affected area

  • Stretching routines for tight calves and Achilles tendons

  • Physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength

  • Anti-inflammatory medications (oral or topical)

  • MLS Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing

  • Padding or heel cups to minimize pressure on the spur

Surgery may be considered only if conservative measures fail and the spur significantly interferes with mobility or daily activities.

When to See a Podiatrist

Make an appointment if you are experiencing:

  • Persistent heel or foot pain that doesn’t improve

  • Swelling or tenderness around your heel or joints

  • Difficulty walking due to stiffness or pain

  • Recurring plantar fasciitis or Achilles issues

Early treatment can help prevent long-term damage and avoid more invasive interventions down the line.

Get Back to Comfortable Steps

If you think a bone spur might be the source of your foot or heel pain, don’t wait to get answers. At Third Coast Foot & Ankle, we’re here to evaluate your symptoms, explain your options, and guide you toward a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.

📞 Call us at 262-821-1588 to get started.

We’re here to keep you moving—without pain slowing you down.