Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones. Bone spurs (osteophytes) often form where bones meet each other — in your joints.   A heel spur is a calcium deposit causing a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. 

During your first visit, your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and medical history. During the physical examination, your doctor will check all the structures of your injury, and compare them to your non-injured anatomy.  Most injuries can be diagnosed with a thorough physical examination.

Imaging Tests Other tests which may help your doctor confirm your diagnosis include:

X-rays. Although they will not show any injury, x-rays can show whether the injury is associated with a broken bone.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. If your injury requires an MRI, this study is utilized to create a better image of soft tissues injuries. However, an MRI may not be required for your particular injury circumstance and will be ordered based on a thorough examination by your Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic Orthopedic physician.

The heel pain associated with heel spurs and plantar fasciitis may not respond well to rest.

If you walk after a night’s sleep, the pain may feel worse as the plantar fascia suddenly elongates, which stretches and pulls on the heel. The pain often decreases the more you walk. But you may feel a recurrence of pain after either prolonged rest or extensive walking.

If you have heel pain that persists for more than one month, consult a health care provider at Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic.

He may recommend conservative treatments such as:

• Stretching exercises

• Shoe recommendations

• Taping or strapping to rest stressed muscles and tendons

• Shoe inserts or orthotic devices

• Physical therapy

Heel pain may respond to treatment with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve).

In many cases, a functional orthotic device can correct the causes of heel and arch pain such as biomechanical imbalances.

In some cases, injection with a corticosteroid may be done to relieve inflammation in the area.

More than 90 percent of people get better with nonsurgical treatments.

If conservative treatment fails to treat symptoms of heel spurs after a period of 9 to 12 months, surgery may be necessary to relieve pain and restore mobility.

Surgical techniques include:

• Release of the plantar fascia

• Removal of a spur

Pre-surgical tests or exams are required to identify optimal candidates, and it’s important to observe post-surgical recommendations concerning rest, ice, compression, elevation of the foot, and when to place weight on the operated foot.

In some cases, it may be necessary for patients to use bandages, splints, casts, surgical shoes, crutches, or canes after surgery.