What Are Heel Spurs?

At Renew Podiatry, we understand that heel spurs can significantly impact your daily life. Heel spurs are bony growths or calcium deposits that form on the underside of your heel bone (calcaneus). They typically develop gradually, often appearing as hook or spike-like structures. Heel spurs commonly result from chronic strain on the foot’s muscles and ligaments, especially when inflammation occurs in the plantar fascia—the thick band of tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes.

Patients experiencing heel spurs often describe sharp or aching pain in their heel, particularly when standing, walking, or after periods of rest. However, some individuals may have heel spurs for years without noticing any symptoms.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing heel spurs, including repetitive stress and strain on your feet, wearing unsupportive or ill-fitting footwear, obesity, aging, and underlying biomechanical conditions such as flat feet or excessively high arches.

Our podiatric specialists diagnose heel spurs through comprehensive physical evaluations and diagnostic imaging tests to identify and assess the extent of the bony growth.

We offer personalized, patient-centered treatments focused on alleviating pain, improving mobility, and addressing the root cause of your heel spurs. Our conservative treatment approaches include:

• Custom orthotics and supportive footwear recommendations
• Targeted physical therapy and stretching exercises
• Ice therapy and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and pain
• Guidance on lifestyle modifications and weight management to reduce stress on your feet

Early intervention and effective foot care are essential to preventing heel spurs from becoming symptomatic or progressing. If you’re experiencing persistent heel pain, don’t delay—schedule an appointment with Renew Podiatry today for a thorough evaluation and a customized treatment plan designed to restore your comfort and mobility.

We understand the discomfort and disruption heel spurs can cause in your daily life. Heel spurs are bony growths that typically form on the underside of the heel bone (calcaneus), commonly due to prolonged strain or stress on foot muscles and ligaments, especially the plantar fascia. Our experienced podiatrists specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions like heel spurs, helping you reclaim comfort and mobility.

Heel spurs often result from repetitive stress or strain placed on the plantar fascia and surrounding tissues. Individuals who engage in regular physical activities such as running or sports, as well as those whose occupations require extensive periods of standing or walking, may be more prone to developing heel spurs.

Improper footwear is another leading factor contributing to heel spurs. Shoes lacking appropriate support, cushioning, and fit can increase stress on the heel bone and plantar fascia. At Renew Podiatry, we provide thorough footwear evaluations and recommendations to ensure optimal support and comfort, significantly reducing your risk of developing heel spurs.

Additionally, being overweight places extra pressure on your feet, intensifying the stress on your plantar fascia and heel bone, which can contribute to forming heel spurs. Our podiatric specialists can offer personalized guidance on managing weight-related stress on your feet through effective treatments, custom orthotics, and lifestyle recommendations.

Structural foot abnormalities, such as flat feet or high arches, may also increase susceptibility to heel spurs. Our skilled podiatrists are equipped to identify these conditions early and provide personalized treatments, including custom orthotic insoles tailored to your unique foot structure, helping to alleviate stress and prevent complications.

As we age, the foot’s natural cushioning and flexibility diminish, potentially increasing susceptibility to heel spurs. Additionally, inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or plantar fasciitis can heighten your risk. Our specialists are experienced in addressing these age-related and inflammatory conditions through comprehensive diagnostic methods and advanced treatment options.

If you are experiencing discomfort or suspect heel spurs, Renew Podiatry is here to help. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized care, utilizing advanced diagnostics, targeted treatments, and preventative strategies to effectively manage your symptoms and restore comfort to your feet.

At Renew Podiatry, we understand the discomfort and limitations that heel spurs can cause. Heel spurs typically develop from repeated stress and strain on the heel and plantar fascia. Our podiatric specialists recommend specific lifestyle habits and treatments to help you prevent or manage heel spurs effectively.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can significantly increase pressure on your feet, especially the heel area. At Renew Podiatry, we encourage maintaining a healthy weight to reduce strain on your feet, decreasing the likelihood of heel spur formation.

• Choose Supportive Footwear: Wearing shoes with adequate cushioning, proper arch support, and heel stability is essential. Our team can help you select shoes that minimize stress on your plantar fascia and heel bone. It’s also important to regularly replace worn-out footwear to maintain proper foot support.

• Regular Stretching and Exercise: Incorporating specific stretching exercises that target the calf muscles and plantar fascia can enhance flexibility and reduce foot tension. At Renew Podiatry, we provide personalized stretching and exercise recommendations tailored to your daily routine and lifestyle. Engaging in moderate, low-impact activities and avoiding excessive high-impact exercise on hard surfaces can further minimize heel stress.

• Protect Feet During Prolonged Standing: If your occupation or daily routine involves extended periods of standing or walking, Renew Podiatry suggests using cushioned mats and supportive shoe inserts to relieve pressure on your heels and arches. Our podiatrists can recommend or custom-design orthotic devices and insoles specifically tailored to your foot structure and occupational needs.

• Addressing Foot Biomechanics: Underlying conditions such as flat feet, high arches, or other biomechanical imbalances can significantly contribute to heel spur development. Our dedicated specialists assess your feet thoroughly and provide customized orthotic solutions to correct these biomechanical issues, greatly reducing your risk of developing heel spurs and related foot pain.

If you’re experiencing heel pain or have concerns about heel spurs, Renew Podiatry is here to help. Our expert team is dedicated to keeping you active, pain-free, and enjoying your daily activities.

We understand that heel spur recovery varies based on the severity of your condition, the treatment approach we select together, and your individual health profile. Factors such as your age, overall wellness, and dedication to treatment guidelines all influence the healing timeline.

Non-surgical treatments—such as rest, ice therapy, targeted stretching exercises, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications—typically offer noticeable improvements within several weeks to a few months. Throughout this period, our patients often experience a gradual decrease in heel pain and discomfort, enabling them to progressively resume daily activities comfortably.

When physical therapy is part of your personalized treatment plan, consistently performing prescribed stretches and exercises can accelerate your recovery and significantly ease symptoms over a span of weeks to months. Generally, patients who follow conservative therapies closely begin experiencing meaningful relief from heel spur pain within six to eight weeks. However, complete symptom resolution may require three to six months, depending on your unique situation.

In cases where conservative treatments do not sufficiently improve symptoms, our podiatry specialists may consider other advanced medical interventions.

No matter which treatment path fits your needs, closely following our podiatrists’ tailored recommendations is essential. By proactively participating in your treatment journey, you support quicker recovery, minimize complications, and achieve better long-term foot health outcomes. At Renew Podiatry, we’re dedicated to helping you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle as efficiently and safely as possible. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 705 West La Veta Ave, Suite 109, Orange, CA 92868. We serve patients from Orange CA, Santa Ana CA, Tustin CA, Irvine CA, Anaheim CA, Westminster CA, Yorba Linda CA and surrounding areas.