What’s a Heel Spur, and How Did I Get One?

We expect our feet to be able to withstand a lot of stress. Tired, aching feet might seem normal after a long day, and we might dismiss some foot discomfort after a particularly strenuous workout.

The problem, though, is that putting your feet under continuous stress can cause them to act out. Specifically, they might develop heel spurs, a common cause of foot pain. 

Fortunately, Samantha Childers, DPM, and Ricky Childers, DPM — our heel pain specialists here at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle — can diagnose and treat heel spurs. To help you decide when it might be time to visit our Decatur or Roanoke, Texas, office for your heel pain, let’s take a closer look at this condition. 

Identifying heel spurs

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the bottom of your heel bone, or calcaneus. These calcium deposits usually start small but grow over time, causing symptoms like:

• Foot pain
• Inflammation
• Swelling
• Heels that are hot and tender to the touch

People often assume that they’ll be able to see or feel the heel spur. Actually, though, these growths usually cause discomfort well before you can spot them. Generally, you’ll need an X-ray to confirm that a heel spur is there. 

How you get heel spurs

Here’s the thing about heel spurs: They don’t develop overnight. Instead, they’re your body’s response to ongoing stress and strain in your feet. Some common causes of heel spurs include:

• Running and jumping in improper shoes/on hard surfaces
• Bad-fitting shoes
• Worn-out or otherwise unsupportive shoes
• Untreated plantar fasciitis
• Heel bruising that isn’t allowed to heal
• Excess body weight
• Spending all day on your feet
• Flat feet
• High arches

There’s a theme running through all of these heel spur causes. These bony growths develop when you push your feet too far, expecting them to do too much without offering them the support they need.

Foot pain isn’t something you should ignore. Heel spurs — and a variety of other podiatric conditions — are easier to treat when they’re addressed early. If you have foot discomfort that’s not going away, come visit either of our offices. 

Treating heel spurs

Good news: About 90% of people find relief from their heel spur pain without surgery. If Drs. Childers diagnose you with a heel spur, we go to work immediately to develop a plan to ease your discomfort and prevent the spur from developing further. 

That might include:

• Rest
• Orthotics
• Cold compresses 
• Anti-inflammatory medication or injections
• Physical therapy
• Stretching
• Specific shoes
• Medical-grade supplements

You’re not stuck with your heel spurs, but the pain they cause won’t go away on its own. To work toward relief and prevent your condition from getting worse, call or message one of our offices to schedule an appointment.