What are bone spurs? They are slow-growing, small, bony protrusions. Approximately one in 10 people has a bone spur on their heel, but they can form almost anywhere — including on toes, ankles, and the tops of your feet.
About half the time, bone spurs don’t cause pain, and you may not even know you have one. In other cases, bone spurs can cause chronic foot pain that ranges from a constant dull ache to sharp pain when standing or walking.
If you’re among the 10% who have painful heel spurs or bone spurs, it’s time to seek treatment. At Premier Foot and Ankle Center in Worcester, Webster, and Whitinsville, Massachusetts, our podiatrists are experts in treating bone spurs. Here’s what they want you to know about this pesky foot problem.
As the name implies, bone spurs are sharp protrusions that develop on the bones. They are calcium deposits that accumulate slowly over time, typically spanning several months.
Heel spurs and bone spurs range in size and shape. They can grow as large as half an inch long, and they’re often found near joints in the toes and feet. Although the causes vary, bone spurs often develop as a result of repetitive stress and damage from joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis.
Some possible causes of bone spurs include:
The way you walk could also increase your risk of bone spurs. Some gait abnormalities put more stress on your heel bone and the nerves and ligaments in your foot, which could make bone spurs more likely.
If you experience heel or foot pain, it’s time to schedule a visit with a podiatrist. Dr. Rosenblum performs comprehensive foot exams to identify and diagnose the cause of your pain. Typically, he diagnoses bone spurs through an examination and medical imaging, such as X-rays.
The good news is that bone spurs are treatable. Our team develops a treatment plan that takes your symptoms, age, pre-existing health conditions, and lifestyle into account. More than 90% of people with painful bone spurs find that their symptoms resolve with conservative treatments like:
Our podiatrists work with you to find a combination of treatments that effectively relieve your pain. If you find that conservative care isn’t enough, he may recommend surgery to remove the painful bone spur.
Bone spurs are small, but the pain can keep you from living an active lifestyle. Find ways to relieve your foot pain with a visit to an appointment. Contact us at Premier Foot and Ankle Center in Worcester, Webster, or Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
