Condition
Heel spurs: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to heel spurs — what they are, and why the spur is often not the real problem.
- Ankle & Foot
Quick answer
A heel spur is a small bony growth on the heel bone, often found alongside plantar fasciitis. Importantly, the spur itself is frequently painless — heel pain is usually driven by the surrounding tissue, and treatment targets that rather than the spur.
Key facts
- A heel spur is a bony growth on the heel bone.
- Spurs are often painless and found incidentally.
- Heel pain is usually driven by soft tissue, not the spur itself.
What is a heel spur?
A heel spur is a small calcium deposit that forms a bony projection on the underside of the heel bone.
Spurs often develop alongside plantar fasciitis, but many people have heel spurs with no pain at all. The spur is usually a sign of long-standing tissue strain rather than the direct cause of pain.
Do heel spurs cause pain?
Often, the spur itself is not the source of pain — when heel pain is present, it usually comes from the plantar fascia and surrounding tissue.
- Heel pain, often similar to plantar fasciitis
- Pain on standing or first steps
- Tenderness under the heel
- Many spurs cause no symptoms at all
How are heel spurs treated?
Treatment targets the surrounding tissue and load, not the spur itself, using stretching, strengthening, footwear and load management.
Because the spur is usually not the true problem, care mirrors plantar fasciitis treatment. Surgery to remove a spur is rarely needed.
At Postura Wellness, care for heel pain and heel spurs is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Get a clear plan for your heel spur
Book an assessment at either branch and get a tailored plan.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual condition.
Sources
- Injuries and Wounds — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Sports Injuries — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Bone Diseases — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Bones, Joints and Muscles — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Muscle and Bone Diseases — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Joint Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine