3 Telltale Signs Your Pain is a Heel Spur

 It’s no surprise that heel pain can be debilitating, affecting your ability to walk, stand, or even just rest comfortably. One common culprit behind persistent heel pain is a heel spur — a bony growth that forms on your heel bone. Recognizing the signs of a heel spur can help you seek appropriate treatment and find relief. 

That’s where we come in! Matthew Paden, DPM, FACFAS; Dustin Kruse, DPM, MA, FACFAS; Brett Sachs, DPM, FACFAS; Thomas Ehlers, DPM; and our team at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center can identify the cause of your heel spur and provide personalized treatment. Meanwhile, let us help you uncover the three telltale signs that your pain might be due to a heel spur.

Let’s get started! 

1. Sharp pain in the morning 

One of the most characteristic signs of a heel spur is experiencing sharp pain in the morning when you take your first steps out of bed. This pain can feel like a knife stabbing into the bottom of your heel. Here’s why: 

Tightened fascia 

During sleep, the plantar fascia (the ligament connecting your heel to the front of your foot) tightens. When you stand in the morning, this sudden stretch can cause intense pain if you have a heel spur. 

Initial steps 

This pain often diminishes after a few steps as the fascia stretches and warms up, but it can return after periods of rest or prolonged activity. 

Managing morning pain 

To manage your morning pain, try gentle stretching of your calf muscles and plantar fascia before getting out of bed to help reduce morning pain. Additionally,  wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning alleviates some of the pressure on your heel. 

2. Persistent heel pain 

Another key indicator of a heel spur is persistent, localized pain in the bottom of your heel. This pain is typically most pronounced after long periods of walking. Here are some characteristics of persistent heel pain to consider: 

Location

The pain is usually centered at the bottom of your heel, where the spur is located. 

Duration 

Unlike general foot fatigue, heel spur pain doesn’t go away quickly after resting and can last for weeks or months. 

Intensity

The pain may vary in intensity but often feels worse after physical activities or standing for long periods.

Coping with persistent pain 

Resting your feet and applying ice packs can help reduce inflammation and pain, while custom orthotic inserts provide additional support and relieve pressure on your heel. 

3. Tenderness and swelling 

Last, tenderness and swelling around your heel are also common signs of a heel spur. You might notice the following symptoms: 

Touch sensitivity 

Your heel area may feel tender when pressed, especially around the spot where the spur is located. 

Visible swelling 

Mild swelling around your heel can occur due to inflammation of the surrounding tissues. 

Addressing tenderness and swelling 

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can make all the difference in reducing swelling and pain. Physical therapy exercises aimed at stretching and strengthening your foot muscles can also improve your symptoms. 

Heel spurs can cause significant discomfort and affect your daily life. By recognizing the signs, you can take proactive steps to manage them. Simple measures, from stretching exercises to supportive footwear, can make a big difference in alleviating your pain. However, if your pain persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for a proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan. 

You can give us a call at 303-423-2520 or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment at one of our offices today! We are located in Wheat Ridge, Thornton, Evergreen, Arvada, and Granby, Colorado.