What Causes Heel Spurs and How to Treat Them

If you experience sharp pain in your heel, especially in the morning, you may have heel spurs. At Pivotal Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Dr. Russell Grimes, Dr. Ross Bartley, and Dr. Tyler Sten specialize in diagnosing and treating heel spurs for patients in St. Joseph, Kansas City, Parkville, and Platte City, MO. Understanding the root causes and available treatments is the first step toward lasting relief.

What Are Heel Spurs?

Heel spurs are deposits of calcium on the bottom of the heel bone. Eventually, the bony growth may extend to the foot arch and hurt with every step. Although heel spurs are most frequently connected with plantar fasciitis, they may also happen on their own due to repeated stress on the heel.

Causes and Risk Factors

Heel spurs develop over time due to repeated pressure on the muscles and ligaments in the foot. Long running or walking, poorly supportive footwear, and a high arch or flat foot are common risk factors. Being obese and normal aging wear and tear can also predispose you to additional stress on the heel.

Heel spurs are common in runners and other athletes because of repetitive stress. Jobs that involve standing or walking on hard surfaces for extended periods can also lead to their development.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Heel Spurs

The most frequent symptom is a sharp or stabbing pain in the heel bottom with the first steps in the morning. Throughout the day, it could become a dull ache. Some patients also complain of tenderness, swelling, or redness in the area. In other instances, nonpainful heel spurs are found incidentally on an X-ray.

How Heel Spurs Are Treated

Effective treatment for heel spurs starts with a thorough evaluation. At Pivotal Foot and Ankle Surgeons, your care plan may include rest, custom orthotics, physical therapy, or night splints to reduce strain on the heel. Anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections can help manage pain and inflammation. If conservative measures don’t provide relief, surgical options may be considered to remove the spur and restore comfort.

Dr. Grimes, Dr. Bartley, and Dr. Sten at Pivotal Foot and Ankle Surgeons offer expert care for heel spurs in St. Joseph, Kansas City, Parkville, and Platte City, MO. Call (816) 364-2338 to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward walking pain-free again.