A heel spur is a bony outgrowth at the base of the heel bone near the plantar fascia. A spur may cause pain on the bottom of the heel when you stand. As with plantar fasciitis, the pain may decrease after standing or walking a short time. The pain you feel is not from the spur itself. Your heel hurts because the plantar fascia is being stretched, the spur pinches a nerve, or the spur presses against the plantar bursa. If the bursa becomes inflamed (bursitis), it may squeeze the plantar fascia.
Initial treatment usually involves treating the underlying biomechanical causes by means of orthotic devices. If pain persists, mechanical therapy,or anti-inflammatories may be used. If these methods are not successful, Shockwave Therapy can be used. You can find out more about Shockwave Therapy in our Treatments section
As a last resort, surgery can also be performed. Under local anesthesia a section of the plantar fascia is cut to release the pull created at the heel spur.
