Bone Spurs

There are many places in the foot where bone spurs can develop. One person might have pain from a spur, while another might not feel anything. Some spurs are obvious, like the ones on the top of the foot, whereas most can’t be seen. The only way to discover any of the following types of spurs is an x-ray.The most notable bone spur is the one that can develop on the bottom of the heel. What’s most interesting about this spur is that it rarely causes pain. When someone has pain in the heel it would make sense that if a spur is present that would be the cause of the pain. Many years ago, heel spurs would be removed but the pain remained. We now know that the spur isn’t the main problem.The back of the heel is another common place for a bone spur. These spurs can get quite large. They form close to where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. Pain from this spur can occur from shoe pressure. Some people have to wear open-back footwear to alleviate pain from this spur.A bone spur can develop under a toenail. These typically make the toenail hurt when shoes rub against it. A spur under the nail needs to be surgically removed to relieve the pain.Bone spurs can form on the smaller toes. These can hurt if toes rub against each other. Trying some padding is recommended first, but if that doesn’t work surgery is needed. These types of spurs can often be removed in the office. The little toe is a common place for one of these spurs, especially when this toe is partially curled toward the next toe.The most obvious bone spur is found on the top of the foot near the arch. Some people have had non-painful spurs in this area their entire lives. Certain shoes can cause pain on these spurs. A shooting pain can occur from pressure on a nerve that overlies this spur. A procedure to remove this spur is indicated if pain occurs on a consistent basis. Many of these spurs are left alone as long as they don’t cause pain.

If you are in pain, get in to see us quickly!