Can a Heel Spur Cause Heel Pain?
Seeing a heel spur on an X-ray can be concerning, especially if you are already dealing with heel pain. It’s common to assume that it might be what is causing your pain, but a heel spur does not always cause pain. Some people have heel spurs and never experience any symptoms.
In some cases, the pain may actually be coming from inflammation, irritation, or another condition affecting the tissues around the heel. This is why identifying the actual source of your heel pain is an important first step before deciding on treatment.
What Is a Heel Spur, and Can It Cause Heel Pain?
A heel spur is a small, bony growth that develops on the heel bone, also called the calcaneus. It can form over time where tendons or ligaments attach to the heel bone, often in response to ongoing stress or tension in the area.
Heel spurs can develop on the bottom of the heel or toward the back of the heel, depending on where the extra bone forms.
Do Heel Spurs Always Cause Pain?
Not necessarily. Most of them don’t hurt at all.
A heel spur can be visible on an X-ray without causing any symptoms. In fact, some people may have a heel spur without even knowing it until an X-ray is taken for another reason.
When someone has heel pain and a heel spur is found on an X-ray, the spur may be present at the same time as the actual source of the pain. However, it does not necessarily mean the spur itself is causing the symptoms.
For instance, plantar fasciitis is a common cause of pain under the heel. It involves irritation of the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. A person experiencing heel pain may have plantar fasciitis and a heel spur as well, but the pain may be caused by the inflammation on the plantar fascia rather than the bony growth.
Watch this short video to learn more about heel spurs and heel pain.
How Do You Know What Is Really Causing Your Heel Pain?
If your heel hurts, figuring out the reason it hurts is often more important than simply identifying whether a heel sp ur is present.
A podiatrist may look at several factors when evaluating heel pain, including:
- Your symptoms: Where the pain is located, when it occurs, and what activities make it better or worse.
- Physical examination: Your provider may examine your heel, foot, ankle, and range of motion to identify areas of tenderness or irritation.
- Medical history: Previous injuries, activity levels, footwear, health conditions, and how long you have had symptoms can all provide important clues.
- Imaging: X-rays and other imaging may be used when appropriate to look for a heel spur, fracture, arthritis, or other structural changes.
These pieces of information can help determine whether your pain is related to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon problems, an injury, nerve irritation, arthritis, or another condition.
Conclusion
The presence of heel spur on an X-ray does not always mean the spur is causing your heel pain. Many people have heel spurs without experiencing any pain.
If you are dealing with ongoing heel pain, identifying the actual source of your symptoms is an important first step toward choosing appropriate treatment. You may reach out to our team at Central Massachusetts Podiatry. Our highly experienced podiatrists will provide a thorough evaluation on your specific case and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Schedule a consultation today.
You can also rewatch our free Heel Pain Webinar to learn more about common causes of heel pain and available treatment options.
