Bone Spurs

If you suffer from severe pain caused by bone spurs, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

Bone spurs can present as a serious source of foot pain. Typically, patients experience pain in the heel or bottom of the foot. Moreover, bone spurs develop when extra bone tissue grows outward from a pre-existing bone edge, a condition also referred to as an Osteophyte or Exostosis. Heel spurs make up the most common types of bone spurs.

What causes bone spurs?

Bone spurs arise due to long-term stress caused by arthritis or inflammation in the area. Additionally, patients suffering from plantar fasciitis can have an increased risk of developing heel spurs. This is due to the inflamed plantar fascia tissue pulling on the bone.

Bone spurs, or osteophytes, develop as a natural response to stress or injury on bones and joints. The primary cause of bone spurs is the body’s attempt to repair and strengthen areas where bones meet or where ligaments and tendons attach to bones. This process, known as ossification, involves the deposition of calcium and other minerals, leading to the formation of bony outgrowths.

One of the most common causes of bone spurs is osteoarthritis. This occurs as a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. As the protective cartilage diminishes, bones can rub against each other, prompting the growth of bone spurs to stabilize the joint and reduce friction.

Additionally, injuries or trauma to a joint or tendon can stimulate the formation of bone spurs. Activities that place repetitive stress on specific joints may also contribute to their development over time. Bone spurs can vary in size and location, potentially causing pain, restricted movement, or other symptoms depending on their impact on surrounding tissues and nerves.

What are the Symptoms of Heel Spurs?

Heel spurs typically manifest with minimal or no symptoms initially. However, inflammation can develop, leading to intermittent pain in the affected area for some patients, especially during walking or running activities. Contrary to common belief, the pain associated with heel spurs often originates from the irritated tissue surrounding the spur rather than the spur itself.

Patients frequently describe the discomfort caused by heel spurs as a sensation akin to pins stabbing into the bottom of their foot, particularly noticeable when they stand up after prolonged periods of rest. This sensation can be sharp and localized, affecting daily activities and mobility. Effective management of heel spurs involves addressing the underlying inflammation. Furthermore, providing relief through rest, supportive footwear, orthotics, and occasionally, anti-inflammatory medications or physical therapy aid in alleviating symptoms. Regular monitoring and adjustments in treatment may be necessary to manage symptoms effectively and prevent recurrence.

Types of Foot Spurs

Heel spur syndrome occurs when the bone spur forms on the bottom of the heel, towards the front of the sole. Patients suffering from plantar fasciitis can have an increased risk of developing heel spur syndrome, simply referred to as heel spurs or calcaneal spurs.

Insertional Achilles tendonitis, or “Achilles Heel”. On the other hand, Achilles Heel refers to a bone spur growth that affects the back of the heel, in the space where the Achilles tendon connects to the back of the heel. The bone spur will grow underneath the achilles tendon, gradually irritating and inflaming the tendon, causing pain and damage to the tissue.

In addition, the inflamed and/or damaged portion of the Achilles tendon can calcify, or harden.

Conservative Treatments for Heel Spurs

Contrary to most conservative treatments for other types of pain, heel spurs tend to respond poorly to resting the foot. Moreover, long periods of rest or extended periods of use both tend to exacerbate heel spur pain. While a moderate amount of regular activity can help keep the plantar fascia limber and reduce pain.

Patients should consult with their foot and ankle specialist if they experience heel pain that lasts for more than a month straight. Some non-surgical treatments for heel spurs include:

Stretching regularly
Wearing prescribed orthopedic shoes
Taping the area to relieve stress on the tendon
Special shoe inserts or other orthotic devices

Physical therapy exercises

Night splints

Over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can also help to relieve foot pain while the condition heals. In a majority of cases, heel spurs will resolve without requiring surgery.

Surgery for Heel Spurs

Over 90% of patients will recover from heel spurs without resorting to surgery. Physicians will usually only consider operating on a heel spur if conservative treatment has failed to relieve symptoms after 9 to 12 months. Surgical options can include:

Releasing the plantar fascia
Removing the spur

Patients should make sure to follow all post-operative instructions given by their orthopedic specialist. Additionally, patients will need to abide by “RICE”: rest, ice, compress, and elevate the foot, as well as avoid placing weight on the foot. Moreover, patients will need to make use of bandages, splints, surgical shoes, crutches, and/or canes after surgery. Your physician will teach you how to properly use all necessary equipment, and set follow up appointments to make sure your foot heals properly.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist in North Texas, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.