What Is a Heel Spur?
A Heel Spur is a bony growth that forms along the underside or back of the heel bone. Heel spurs often develop where ligaments or tendons attach to bone. The growth itself may cause no symptoms, while nearby irritated tissue can contribute to heel pain during walking, standing, or physical activity.
Quick Facts About Heel Spur
Category
Heel bone growth
Used for
Describing a structural heel finding
Common confusion
A heel spur is not the same as plantar fasciitis
Also called
Calcaneal Spur, Heel bone spur
Often discussed with
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Key Takeaways About Heel Spur
- A heel spur is a bone growth near an attachment point.
- The growth may exist without causing pain.
- Heel spurs are often confused with plantar fasciitis.
How Heel Spur Works
A heel spur forms when bone develops near an area where connective tissue attaches to the heel. Repeated stress can affect that attachment area, and the body may respond with additional bone growth. The spur can point toward the sole or extend from the rear of the heel.
Related glossary terms: Gait Analysis, Tendonitis, Joint Stiffness.
Imaging may show the shape and location of a spur, but an image does not identify the sole source of pain. Plantar fasciitis involves irritation of the broad band of tissue under the foot, while a spur describes a bone change. A clinical assessment considers foot mechanics, walking patterns, tenderness, and movement to understand how the finding relates to symptoms.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Marietta team
When we assess a heel spur, we review the person’s symptoms, foot mechanics, walking pattern, and movement. We also consider whether irritation of nearby tissue, such as the plantar fascia, better explains the discomfort. Our team uses that distinction when planning care for plantar fasciitis.
Heel Spur in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person may feel sharp heel pain during the first steps after rest, while imaging shows a heel spur. The care plan for plantar fasciitis focuses on the irritated foot tissues and contributing movement patterns, not on the bone shape alone.
Related Services
Related Terms
Gait Analysis
A gait analysis is a structured assessment of how you walk, including foot placement, stride pattern…
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is irritation or inflammation of a tendon, the strong band of tissue that connects muscle…
Joint Stiffness
Joint Stiffness is reduced ease of movement in a joint, often felt as tightness, resistance, or…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Marietta
Have Questions About Heel Spur?
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