Bone Spur

Bone spurs form as the body’s response to chronic pressure, friction, or joint damage. When a joint or tendon is under repeated stress, the body may produce extra bone tissue in an attempt to protect or repair the area. Over time, this process can lead to a bone spur foot problem.

The most common cause of bone spurs is osteoarthritis. As cartilage wears down, bones begin to rub against each other. In response, the body creates extra bone along the joint edges. In the foot, this often shows up as a heel spur. 

When the plantar fascia, the ligament along the bottom of the foot, is repeatedly stressed, such as with untreated plantar fasciitis, a spur can form where the ligament attaches to the heel bone.

Other known causes include:

• Repetitive stress: Activities like running, dancing, or jumping place repeated strain on foot tendons and ligaments. Over time, this stress can trigger bone spur formation.
• Tight or ill-fitting shoes: Constant pressure on the back of the heel, especially from tight or high-heeled shoes, can lead to a bone spur at the Achilles tendon insertion. 
• Inflammation or tendon injury: Long-standing tendonitis, such as Achilles tendinitis, or conditions like bursitis, can cause bone to form at the site of ongoing inflammation.
• Excess weight: Carrying extra body weight increases pressure on foot joints. This added load, especially on the heel and ankle, can contribute to bone spur development.
• Aging and genetics: Aging is the biggest risk factor. Normal wear and tear over time causes cartilage and natural cushioning in the foot to thin, making bone spurs more common. A family history of arthritis can also raise the risk.
• Rare congenital factors: In uncommon cases, people are born with foot bone structure differences that make them more likely to develop bone spurs earlier in life.

Many people with bone spurs have no symptoms and only learn about them on X-rays. When symptoms do occur, they depend on the spur’s location and the amount of pressure on nearby tissues.

Common signs include:

• Localized pain: A heel bone spur often causes pain on the bottom or back of the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning. Spurs on the top of the foot or near the toes may cause foot bone spur pain when walking or wearing shoes.
• Swelling and tenderness: The soft tissue over the spur can become inflamed, leading to visible swelling and soreness at the affected area.
• Stiffness or limited motion: Bone spurs near joints, such as the big toe, can restrict movement and cause painful stiffness.
• Numbness or tingling: If a spur presses on a nerve, you may feel tingling or numbness in the foot or ankle.
• Calluses or corns: Ongoing irritation from a spur can cause thickened skin, forming a callus or corn over the area.

Bone spur treatment focuses on relieving pain and reducing stress on the affected area, not automatically removing the bone spur. 

Surgery is only considered when other options fail. At Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center, treatment follows standard podiatric care based on symptoms, location, and severity.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Care

This is the first and most common approach. Treatment targets inflammation and mechanical stress and may include:

• Rest and activity modification to limit irritation
• Icing to reduce inflammation
• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for pain relief
• Stretching and physical therapy for the calf and plantar fascia, especially with plantar fasciitis
• Supportive shoes and custom orthotics to offload pressure
• Arch-supporting insoles, heel cushions, taping, or night splints for heel spurs

Lifestyle Changes

Reducing ongoing stress on the foot supports recovery. This may include weight loss to decrease pressure on foot joints and switching to low-impact activities or softer walking surfaces.

Injection Therapy

If pain continues, a cortisone steroid injection near the spur may be used to reduce inflammation, especially when the surrounding soft tissue is irritated.

Foot Care and Shoe Modifications

As mentioned earlier, bone spurs can lead to corns or calluses. Treatment may involve padding, offloading pressure, trimming painful calluses, and adjusting footwear. Shoes with roomier toe boxes or stiff soles can help reduce irritation from toe or forefoot spurs.

Surgery (When Necessary)

Most foot bone spurs do not need surgery. Surgical treatment is considered only when a spur severely limits motion or presses on nerves, and all conservative care has failed. Examples include removing a heel spur during plantar fasciitis surgery or performing a cheilectomy to remove bone spurs from the big toe. Surgery is a last option and involves a monitored recovery period.

Bone spur treatment is individualized, with the goal of relieving pain and restoring function while avoiding unnecessary procedures.

Living with foot or heel pain from a bone spur can make everyday activities difficult. At Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, our specialists focus on accurate diagnosis and personalized care to help relieve pain and improve comfort. 

We proudly serve patients in Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Davenport, FL. Call our office today to schedule a same-day appointment and get the expert care your feet deserve.