Heel Spurs: What They Are and Why They May Not Be the Real Problem

Heel pain is one of the most common complaints we see at My Family Podiatry. And for many patients, it comes with a scary-sounding name: heel spurs. Maybe you’ve seen it on an X-ray. Maybe a friend or GP mentioned it as the reason for your pain. But here’s the truth; most heel spurs aren’t the real cause of the pain.

While heel spurs sound serious, they’re often misunderstood. It’s common to associate them with stabbing pain first thing in the morning or after rest, but research shows that it’s often not the spur itself causing the pain. In most cases, it’s the soft tissue surrounding it, particularly the plantar fascia.

In this blog, we’ll break down what heel spurs actually are, how they form, and why they may not be the villain they’re made out to be. We’ll also explain how we assess and treat heel pain properly, so you get long-term relief, not just a label.

What Is a Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a small, bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone (calcaneus), typically at the point where the plantar fascia attaches. It develops over time in response to stress and strain in the area. Think of it as the body’s way of reinforcing a spot that’s constantly being tugged or overloaded.

These spurs are made of calcium deposits and can vary in size. Some are sharp and pointy on imaging, while others are flatter or hooked. They’re usually picked up on X-ray, often during an investigation for heel pain.

But here’s the twist: heel spurs are incredibly common in people who don’t have any pain at all. Studies have shown that up to 38 percent of people have heel spurs on X-ray, but the majority don’t feel a thing.

The Real Cause: Plantar Fasciitis

The real culprit behind most heel pain is plantar fasciitis, not the spur itself. The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from your heel to your toes, helping support the arch of your foot and absorb shock during movement.

When this tissue becomes irritated, overstretched, or inflamed, it causes sharp, burning pain, especially with those first few steps in the morning or after sitting. That classic “getting out of bed and hobbling” pain is textbook plantar fasciitis.

The heel spur may be present, but it’s typically a side effect of long-term pulling on the fascia, not the direct source of the discomfort.

So Why Does the Spur Get Blamed?

There’s something compelling about a bony growth showing up on an X-ray. It gives people a reason, something visible, something concrete. But heel pain is rarely about the bone itself. It’s about how your body moves, how your tissues respond to load, and how we manage those forces.

Think of it like this: if you’re pulling on a rope attached to a wall every day, eventually the wall might crack, or the anchor point might get reinforced. That’s the spur. But the tension and damage are coming from the rope being overworked, that’s your plantar fascia.

Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis (Often Mistaken for Heel Spur Pain)

• Sharp pain under the heel first thing in the morning

  
  

• Pain after prolonged standing or walking

  
  

• Discomfort that improves slightly with movement

  
  

• Tenderness when pressing on the inside portion of the heel

  
  

• Pain that flares after periods of rest (e.g. sitting at a desk, driving)

  
  

If these sound familiar, it’s likely that the plantar fascia, not the spur, is to blame.

How We Diagnose Heel Pain at My Family Podiatry

At My Family Podiatry, we don’t rely on X-rays alone. A proper assessment is critical to determine the actual source of your pain.

1. Clinical Examination

We assess tenderness, location of pain, foot posture, range of motion, and muscle tension.

2. Gait and Footwear Analysis

Footwear can contribute heavily to heel pain, especially shoes with poor support or low heel drop. We’ll assess your footwear and how you walk. In some cases, poor biomechanics cause excessive strain on the plantar fascia.

3. Ultrasound Imaging (In-Clinic)

If needed, we can use diagnostic ultrasound to assess the condition of the plantar fascia and surrounding soft tissues. Unlike X-ray, ultrasound gives real-time information about inflammation and tissue thickness.

What Actually Helps Heel Pain?

Since the spur isn’t the issue, removing it isn’t the solution. In fact, heel spur surgery is rarely needed and is considered a last resort. Most patients respond incredibly well to conservative treatment.

1. Load Management and Footwear Advice

We help you adjust your activity, training, or work habits to allow the fascia to settle. Supportive shoes (including for use at home) can make a big difference.

2. Stretching and Mobility Work

Tight calves and restricted ankle movement contribute heavily to plantar fasciitis. We’ll guide you through gentle stretches to reduce this load.

3. Orthotics

If foot posture is playing a role, such as flat feet or a rigid high arch, orthotics can help distribute load and reduce the strain on the fascia.

4. Shockwave Therapy

We use EMS Dolorclast focused and radial shockwave therapy to promote healing in chronic cases. This non-invasive treatment is effective for stubborn heel pain and is backed by strong clinical evidence.

5. Strengthening and Rehab Programs

Long-term relief comes from improving how your body manages force. Strengthening the foot and calf muscles is a big part of getting you pain-free and back to activity.

Common Questions About Heel Spurs

“Do I need surgery to remove the spur?”

In almost all cases, no. Heel spur surgery is rare and often unnecessary. Pain can be managed successfully with conservative care focused on the plantar fascia.

“Can the spur go away on its own?”

Not usually. The bony growth tends to remain, but if it’s not causing pain, there’s no need to worry about it.

“Why does my pain get worse in the morning?”

Overnight, the plantar fascia tightens slightly. When you take your first steps, it’s rapidly stretched again, causing that sudden sting. This is a classic plantar fasciitis symptom, not spur pain.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been told you have a heel spur, don’t panic, it’s not a life sentence. In most cases, the spur is harmless. The pain is coming from the tissues around it, and that can be treated with the right approach.

At My Family Podiatry, we look at the bigger picture. We treat heel pain based on what is actually happening in your body, not just what shows up on an X-ray. With a combination of biomechanical assessment, tailored rehab, custom foot orthotics and advanced tools like EMS Dolorclast shockwave therapy, we help you move better and feel better, without unnecessary procedures.

Ready to Fix Your Heel Pain?

If you’ve been struggling with heel pain for more than a few weeks, don’t wait any longer. Book an appointment with My Family Podiatry and let’s get to the root of the issue. Relief is closer than you think.

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