Heel spurs are bony protrusions on the underside of the heel bone, which can be excruciating and disrupt your daily activities. While they often develop due to plantar fasciitis, exercises can help alleviate the associated pain and discomfort. Stretching exercises can be particularly beneficial.  Calf stretches are done by placing your hands on a wall, one foot behind the other, and leaning forward. This stretches the calf muscles and can relieve tension on the heel. Another effective exercise is towel curls. Place a small towel on the floor and use your toes to scrunch it towards you to strengthen the muscles in your arch and reduce strain on the heel. Additionally, foot flexor stretches may be effective in providing moderate relief for heel spur discomfort, and are done by gently pulling your toes backward. These exercises can improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce the strain on your heel. If you have developed a heel spur, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can provide you with additional heel spur stretches and exercises.

Heel spurs are bony outgrowths from calcium deposits. They occur at the back of the heel bone or underneath the heel bone and usually form in response to chronic irritation of the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia. They are often asymptomatic, but if you are suffering from heel pain, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms of Heel Spurs

• Tenderness

• Heel pain

• Pain when walking

• No symptoms

Diagnosis

Since heel spurs are often asymptomatic, they are usually only diagnosed when they are found on the heels incidentally during an X-ray taken for another reason. Nevertheless, if you have heel pain, and particularly if you have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, it may be worth it to see if you have heel spurs too. 

Treatment

Unless they are causing symptoms, heel spurs typically don’t require any treatment. When they are symptomatic, treatments are typically conservative. They may include resting and icing the affected foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing orthotics or supportive footwear, especially while exercising. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.