Heel spurs are small bone growths under your heel. Most of the time, the pain comes from a problem called plantar fasciitis, which is irritation of the tissue under your foot. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and helping you move comfortably.

Ways to treat heel spurs:

• Rest your heel: Stop or reduce activities like running or standing for too long.
• Use ice packs: Put ice on your heel to reduce pain and swelling.
• Take medicine: Anti-inflammatory medicine can help with pain.
• Wear good shoes: Shoes or inserts that support your arch and cushion your heel protect your foot.
• Stretch your foot: Gentle stretches for your calves and the bottom of your foot help relieve tension.
• Physical therapy: Exercises can make your foot stronger and more flexible.
• Special treatments: Sometimes doctors use therapies like shockwaves or injections to help healing.
• Surgery: Only needed in rare cases, surgery can remove the spur or release tight tissue.

Early Stage (Mild Pain):

• You may feel a little discomfort after standing or walking for a long time.
• Pain is often worse in the morning but usually eases after a few steps.

Moderate Stage:

• Heel pain becomes more noticeable and may not go away with rest.
• The area around your heel may look swollen or feel tender.

Chronic Stage:

• Pain is constant and can make daily activities hard.
• The spur may grow larger and be harder to manage without a doctor’s help.

Associated with Plantar Fasciitis:

• Heel spurs often happen with irritation of the tissue under your foot (plantar fascia).
• This can cause stiffness and sharp pain, especially in the mornings.

Postural Impact Stage:

• Untreated heel spurs can change the way you walk.
• This may put extra pressure on your knees, hips, or back.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments:

• Rest your heel and reduce activities that cause pain.
• Use cushioned insoles or heel pads for comfort.
• Apply ice to reduce swelling and pain.
• Stretch your calves and the tissue under your foot regularly.
• Take anti-inflammatory medicines or, in some cases, get steroid injections to relieve pain.

Physical Therapy:

• Exercises can strengthen your foot and improve flexibility.
• Treatments like ultrasound or shockwave therapy may reduce pain and help healing.

Minimally Invasive Procedures:

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy can help repair damaged tissue.
• Shockwave therapy may break down calcium deposits in the heel.

Surgical Options (for severe cases):

• The heel spur can be removed through small, minimally invasive surgery.
• Sometimes the plantar fascia is released to reduce pressure on the heel.

Lifestyle & Footwear Adjustments:

• Wear shoes with cushioned soles and good support.
• Avoid walking barefoot on hard floors.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your feet.

• Chronic Heel Pain: Pain that gets worse over time.
• Reduced Mobility: Difficulty standing or walking for long periods.
• Postural Imbalance: Walking differently may affect your knees, hips, or back.
• Inflammation and Tissue Damage: Ongoing irritation may cause permanent thickening of tissue.
• Loss of Productivity: Daily tasks and work may become uncomfortable.

• Wear cushioned, supportive shoes.
• Keep a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet.
• Stretch and strengthen your feet regularly.
• Avoid walking barefoot on hard or uneven surfaces.
• See a doctor if heel or foot pain does not go away.