A heel spur, also known as Lenoir’s spur, is a bony growth that forms on the heel bone. Although it is often identified on an X-ray, it is not always the source of heel pain. In many cases, heel pain is more closely related to plantar fasciitis or another condition affecting the heel.
What is a heel spur?
A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the heel bone. It can be seen on an X-ray and is often discovered incidentally during imaging. A heel spur does not, by itself, explain heel pain and is frequently painless. It is not considered a disease, but rather a sign of the body's adaptation to repeated mechanical stress on the plantar fascia.
What are the symptoms?
A heel spur does not cause symptoms when it is painless. It is often discovered by chance during a foot X-ray. Heel pain may be present, but it is often more closely related to inflammation of the plantar fascia (plantar fasciitis).
Who is most at risk? (causes)
A heel spur mainly affects:
- people who work on their feet, walk extensively, or frequently lift loads while standing,
- people who participate in sports involving a high volume of running or jogging,
- people with a family history of heel spurs,
- people who are overweight.
How can pain associated with a heel spur be relieved?
Expert advice
The heel spur itself is generally not the focus of treatment. Instead, the goal is to address the structure responsible for the pain.
Depending on the situation, interventions may include modifying daily activities, adjusting running mechanics, releasing or strengthening the plantar fascia, stretching the leg muscles, electrotherapy, or shockwave therapy.
In some cases, collaboration with a podiatrist may be recommended to assess whether custom foot orthotics are appropriate. Surgery remains a treatment of last resort.
Which healthcare professional should you consult?
Different healthcare professionals often work together to maximize outcomes. If you are unsure where to start, we recommend consulting a physiotherapist first. They can assess your needs and determine the treatments indicated for your heel spur-related condition. If necessary, they will recommend other healthcare professionals to help optimize your rehabilitation.
Have questions? Call us or contact our customer service team by email. Our team can help direct you to the right professional for your needs.
Physiotherapy
Based on your needs, a physiotherapist can provide personalized recommendations, prescribe appropriate exercises, perform manual therapy treatments, and refer you to other healthcare professionals when necessary.
Podiatry
Podiatry can help optimize care management depending on the situation, particularly through a biomechanical assessment of the foot and recommendations for custom foot orthotics when appropriate.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does a heel spur always occur with plantar fasciitis?
No. However, because plantar fasciitis and a heel spur are both associated with mechanical overload of the plantar fascia, they are often found together.
Why is the pain more intense in the morning when getting out of bed?
There is often an inflammatory component to the pain, and inactivity during the night causes stiffness that, combined with inflammation, increases the pain felt during the first few steps after waking up.
How long does a heel spur last?
A heel spur does not disappear, as it is a bony growth.
What treatments are effective for a heel spur?
The heel spur itself is not the target of treatment. Instead, treatment focuses on pain originating from the plantar fascia or the heel fat pad, depending on the situation. Treatments vary according to the cause of the pain.
Heel pain does not always mean that a heel spur is the source of the problem. An assessment can help identify the underlying cause of the pain and guide recommendations tailored to your specific situation.
