Heel Spurs
- Dr. Abbie Clinics
- August 19, 2019
A heel spur is a build-up of calcium in the heel bone that causes the bone to extend outward, sometimes by more than a centimetre. It’s often linked to the same repetitive strain patterns that cause plantar fasciitis, and the two conditions frequently occur together.
What Causes Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs can result from over-exercising and repeated strain on the plantar fascia at the base of the foot – a common presentation in athletes and active people. Carrying extra weight and placing excess force on the heel can also contribute. In many cases, the constant traction and pull on the plantar fascia causes small initial tears that, over time, become calcified. A heel spur affecting only one foot can sometimes be related to a leg length difference, where the longer leg compensates by pronating more.
Symptoms of Heel Spurs
- Heel pain though a spur isn’t always painful and can sometimes just be felt
- Pain on waking or rising from a chair that eases after a few minutes
Assessment
A full biomechanical assessment, alongside an X-ray to confirm the length of any bony protrusion, helps guide the appropriate treatment approach.
Treatment Options We Offer
- Stretching and footwear changes
- Strapping aims to remove the forces the spur places on the plantar fascia
- Foot mobilisation helps re-align the bones of the foot to reduce fascia stress
- Custom orthotics designed to prevent further elongation of the plantar fascia
- Dry needling and Shockwave Therapy may assist with soft and hard tissue repair
- Prolotherapy injections used in some cases for degenerative changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a heel spur need to be surgically removed?
Not usually – most heel spurs are managed conservatively by addressing the underlying strain pattern, rather than through surgery.
Is a heel spur the same as plantar fasciitis?
No, plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the tissue under the foot, while a heel spur is a bony growth that can develop as a result of the same repetitive strain. See our Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain pages for more detail.
Book an Assessment
Book a biomechanical assessment at your nearest Dr Abbie Clinics location to discuss your heel pain.
