Heel Spurs

A Heel spur is a calcium deposit that causes a bony outgrowth on the heel. They can be located at the back of the heel or under the heel (beneath the sole of the foot). Heel spurs are also called calcaneal spurs or osteophytes.

Browse our full collection of insoles for heel spurs.

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone, or calcaneus. They are often associated with plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the fibrous band of connective tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot. Over time, strain on the ligaments and muscles of the foot can lead to the development of heel spurs.

A heel spur itself is not always painful. However, its presence can trigger pain in the surrounding soft tissues, especially when walking or standing for extended periods. The pain is often described as a sharp, stabbing sensation in the heel, which can be more intense in the morning or after periods of rest.

A heel spur may develop for a number of reasons; most often they accompany a condition called plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia. Additional causes of heel spurs are consistent with the causes of plantar fasciitis as well, there are numerous factors that can contribute to heel spurs:

Heel spurs themselves might not always cause pain, but when they do, the symptoms can be quite distinctive. Here's what heel spurs typically feel like:

Due to the similarities between the two, the treatment for heel plantar fasciitis is usually effective for treating heel spurs as well. The treatment usually consists of a combination of stretching, exercise, resting and icing the foot, wearing good quality shoes with insoles, and avoiding going barefoot.

Some cases of heel spurs may benefit from a donut-shaped insert in the shoe. If traditional treatments are not proving effective, physical therapy or a corticosteroid injection may be necessary.

In some severe cases surgery may be needed, though this is a last resort, and often the doctor will not actually remove the heel spur.

A healthy lifestyle can help you to avoid developing this condition. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, stretching before physical activity, and wearing supportive shoes both for day-to-day wear and athletic activities.

If you decide to shop for insoles to help ease the pain of your heel spurs or help treat them, here are a few factors to consider when browsing: