Heel Spurs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Heel Spurs?
An orthopedic doctor (a bone and joint specialist) or a podiatrist (a foot doctor) usually treats heel spurs. A primary care doctor can also examine your foot and order an x-ray. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are heel spurs?
A heel spur is a bone spur on the heel bone. Heel spurs can be seen on an x-ray. A spur can form after tension on the plantar fascia has lasted a long time. The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that connects the heel to the front of the foot and supports the arch.
Most people who have bone spurs on their heels do not have heel pain. Heel spurs do not cause plantar fasciitis pain. Plantar fasciitis is when the plantar fascia becomes irritated and inflamed. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain.
Symptoms
A heel spur alone often causes no pain. Heel pain is often from plantar fasciitis. Its most common symptoms include:
- Pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel.
- Pain with the first few steps after getting out of bed or after a long rest.
- Greater pain after exercise, not during it.
The morning pain usually goes away after a few minutes of walking. It may build slowly or start suddenly after intense activity.
Causes and who gets it
Heel problems often come from too much stress on the heel bone and the tissues around it. That stress can come from injuries, bruises from walking, running or jumping, shoes that do not fit or are poorly made, and being overweight. Over time, the stress can cause bone spurs. Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout can also lead to heel problems.
In most cases, plantar fasciitis starts for no clear reason. Some things make it more likely:
- New or increased activity.
- Repeated high-impact activity, such as running, dancing or sports.
- Standing for long periods on hard surfaces.
- Flat feet or a high arch.
- Tight calf muscles.
- Obesity.
- Age. It is most common among people aged 40 to 60.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your foot. They look for a high arch or a flat foot. They also look for a spot of tenderness on the bottom of the foot, just in front of the heel bone.
X-rays show bones. They can show a heel spur and help rule out other causes of heel pain, such as a fracture or arthritis. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or an ultrasound is rarely ordered. A doctor may order an MRI if they think a different problem is causing your heel pain.
Treatment
Plantar fasciitis pain can be treated without removing the spur. More than 90% of people with plantar fasciitis improve within 10 months of starting simple treatment. Common steps include:
- Rest. Cut back on activities that make the pain worse.
- Stretching the calves and the plantar fascia. This is the most effective way to relieve the pain.
- Ice. Roll your foot over a cold water bottle or ice for 20 minutes.
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to reduce pain. Do not use them for more than 1 month without talking to your primary care doctor.
- Physical therapy with a therapist who teaches stretching exercises.
- Shoes with thick soles and extra cushioning, soft heel pads, or orthotics (shoe inserts).
- Night splints, which stretch the plantar fascia while you sleep.
If you still have symptoms after several months, a doctor may suggest other options. Cortisone shots can ease inflammation. They can also weaken the plantar fascia and lead to a rupture (a tear). A rupture can flatten the foot and cause lasting pain.
Surgery is generally saved for people who have not improved after 12 months of nonsurgical treatment. A surgeon can make a partial cut in the plantar fascia to relieve tension. A large bone spur can also be removed. This is not usually done, since bone spurs do not cause plantar fasciitis pain. Surgery can result in lasting pain, so it is advised only after other treatments have been tried.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Your doctor may recommend other options if you still have symptoms after several months of nonsurgical treatment.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine your foot, review your shoes and activity, order an x-ray, and start simple treatment. They can also refer you to a foot or bone specialist if the pain continues.
Common questions
Do heel spurs cause heel pain?
Not by themselves in most people. Most people who have bone spurs on their heels do not have heel pain. Heel spurs do not cause plantar fasciitis pain, a common cause of heel pain.
Do I need surgery to remove a heel spur?
No, not usually. Plantar fasciitis pain can be treated without removing the spur. Surgery is generally saved for people who have not improved after 12 months of nonsurgical treatment.
Why is heel pain worse in the morning?
Sleeping with your feet pointed down is one of the reasons. This relaxes the plantar fascia. A night splint stretches it while you sleep.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs
- MedlinePlus - Plantar fasciitis
- MedlinePlus - Heel Injuries and Disorders
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
