If you experience stabbing pain at the bottom of your foot that’s worse when you get out of bed in the morning, you may have a heel spur. The friendly and knowledgeable podiatrists at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists diagnose and treat heel spurs at their private practice in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. To find relief from a heel spur, call the office or book an appointment online today.

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What is a heel spur?

A heel spur is a bony growth (calcium deposit) that protrudes from your heel bone and into the arch of your foot. Heel spurs are usually very small and only cause pain in about 1 out of 20 people who have them.

What causes a heel spur?

A foot condition called plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel spurs. About 1 out of 10 people with plantar fasciitis develop a heel spur. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the thick band of connective tissue (plantar fascia) that extends from your heel to the toes.

If plantar fasciitis is left untreated, your body may develop a heel spur in an effort to repair the injured soft tissue with bone.

How can I tell if I have a heel spur?

The most prominent symptom of a heel spur from plantar fasciitis is pain at the bottom of the heel. Pain is usually worse when you get out of bed in the morning or stand up after a long period of rest. Heel pain often decreases as the plantar fascia stretches and warms up after a few minutes of walking.

If left untreated, heel spurs may grow larger. The pain continues to worsen and you may notice it more frequently throughout the day. The team at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists can confirm you have a heel spur and recommend an effective treatment plan.

How is a heel spur diagnosed and treated?

First, your provider at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists performs a physical exam and reviews your symptoms and medical history. They can confirm the presence of a heel spur with an X-ray. Additional imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, may be necessary to look for soft tissue damage to the plantar fascia.

After they diagnose your condition, the team at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists recommends the best course of treatment. More than 90% of people with plantar fasciitis or heel spurs notice significant improvement with nonsurgical treatments, such as:

  • Physical therapy
  • Foot taping or strapping
  • Wearing custom orthotics
  • Wearing a night splint
  • Steroid injections

They also teach you exercises you can perform at home to stretch and strengthen your feet.

If you have symptoms of a heel spur, call Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists or book an appointment online today.