Bone spurs are a common foot problem, especially around the heel and the toes. A spur is an extra growth of bone that can form over time where the foot is repeatedly stressed—often without causing symptoms at first. However, as irritation intensifies, these bony changes may contribute to pain, stiffness, or trouble fitting into shoes. Here's what our experienced medical team at Neville Foot & Ankle Centers wants you to know.
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What Types of Bone Spurs Are There?
These growths can form in various areas of the foot, and their location often determines the symptoms you experience and the treatment that works best.
- Heel spurs. Often develop when the plantar fascia—the fibrous band on the bottom of the foot—repeatedly tugs at its attachment on the heel bone. Over time, that area can calcify and form a spur.
- Big toe joint spurs. May form on the top of the big toe joint as the joint becomes irritated and stiff—sometimes referred to as “stiff big toe”.
- Repetitive strain. High-impact activity, inadequate warm-ups, and unsupportive athletic shoes can increase stress on ligaments and joints, contributing to spur formation.
Symptoms of bone spurs vary based on the nature of your condition, but often reflect their location. For example:
- Heel pain. Tenderness near the bottom front of the heel, especially while standing, walking, or running.
- Big toe stiffness and discomfort. Pain on the top of the big toe joint, reduced range of motion, and difficulty pushing off when walking.
- Shoe irritation. Pressure, rubbing, or swelling where a spur presses against footwear.
At Neville Foot and Ankle Centers' four locations throughout Montgomery County, we have an experienced team of medical and surgical specialists. As licensed podiatrists, we believe our patients deserve access to the information necessary to make informed choices about their foot and ankle care.
How Can Our Podiatrists Help Relieve Your Bone Spur Pain?
After a detailed evaluation and a full understanding of your lifestyle and goals, some of our treatment recommendations for bone spurs might include supportive shoes, proper warm-ups, and medical care—such as customized inserts, anti-inflammatory options with physician guidance, or injections—to help relieve symptoms and protect function.
In more severe cases, surgery might be your best option, but our goal is to always pursue non-invasive treatment methods whenever possible.
