A heel spur is a small, bony growth that forms when calcium builds up along the heel bone in response to ongoing stress and tension, most often alongside plantar fasciitis. Many heel spurs cause no pain at all, but when they are associated with inflamed, irritated tissue, treatment usually starts with simple conservative care and only escalates if symptoms don't improve.
If you've been told you have a heel spur, or you're dealing with heel pain that's sharpest with your first steps in the morning, our podiatrists in Farmington and South Ogden can help you understand what's going on and build a treatment plan that fits your activity level and how long you've had symptoms.
What is a heel spur?
A heel spur is a calcium deposit that forms a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. It typically develops over months as a response to repeated strain, often where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel. The fascia is a thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, and when it becomes irritated and develops tiny tears, the ongoing tension can prompt the body to lay down extra bone at that attachment point.
It's important to know that the spur itself is often not what causes pain — it's the surrounding inflamed tissue. Many people have heel spurs visible on an X-ray with no symptoms whatsoever, while others with significant pain have no visible spur at all.
What causes heel spurs?
Heel spurs form gradually in response to repetitive stress on the heel bone and the tissues that attach to it. Common contributing factors include:
- Long-standing plantar fasciitis or repeated micro-tears in the plantar fascia
- Being on your feet for extended periods, especially on hard surfaces
- Running or other high-impact activity
- Wearing shoes with poor arch or heel support
- Carrying excess body weight, which adds load to the heel
- Flat feet or an abnormal walking gait that shifts extra stress to the heel
How are heel spurs treated?
Most heel spur pain responds well to conservative treatment, so we typically start there before considering anything more invasive.
At-home and conservative care
- Ice applied for 15–20 minutes to reduce inflammation
- Activity modification and elevation to give irritated tissue time to calm down
- Supportive footwear with good arch support and a firm heel counter
- Custom or over-the-counter orthotics, heel cups, and cushioning to offload the heel
- Calf and plantar fascia stretching, particularly before getting out of bed
- Foot-strengthening exercises, such as towel curls and toe raises
- Anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, for pain and swelling
- Physical therapy for targeted stretches and hands-on treatment
Advanced in-office options
When pain doesn't respond to conservative measures, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive option that uses focused sound-wave energy to stimulate healing in the tissue surrounding the heel spur, often helping patients avoid surgery.
Surgery
Surgery is considered a last resort, generally reserved for cases where symptoms haven't improved after six to twelve months of consistent conservative treatment. When needed, surgery addresses the underlying plantar fascia tension and, in some cases, removes the spur itself.
When should I see a podiatrist about a heel spur?
See a podiatrist if heel pain lasts more than a week or two despite home care, keeps you from your normal activities, or returns each morning. Because a heel spur is often tied to plantar fasciitis, treating the pain early can prevent the underlying tension from getting worse. You can request an appointment at either of our Northern Utah offices.
Medically reviewed by the physicians at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained podiatrists provide foot and ankle care in Farmington and South Ogden, Utah. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.