Heel pain on the bottom of the foot, especially with your first steps in the morning, is one of the most common reasons people visit a foot and ankle specialist. A heel spur is often part of that picture. Our team can find the real source of your pain and build a plan to get you walking comfortably again.
Our foot and ankle team sees patients for heel spurs at our office in Exton, PA, conveniently serving patients from Downingtown, Chester Springs, Malvern, and West Chester.
Pain at the back of the heel instead? See our Back of Heel Pain page.
What is a heel spur
A heel spur is a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone, where the plantar fascia (the thick band along the arch) attaches. Spurs develop slowly from long-term strain on that attachment. Many spurs cause no pain at all. When the heel hurts, the cause is usually inflammation of the plantar fascia (plantar fasciitis) around the spur.
Common causes
- Repeated strain on the plantar fascia from standing, walking, or running
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon
- Flat feet, high arches, or other foot mechanics
- Unsupportive or worn-out shoes
- Weight gain or a sudden increase in activity
What you might feel
- Sharp or aching pain on the bottom of the heel
- Pain with the first steps in the morning or after sitting
- Pain that eases with movement, then returns after long periods on your feet
- Tenderness when pressing on the heel
Our heel spur treatment approach
We start with an exam and X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes like stress fractures or nerve problems.
Conservative (non-surgical) care
- Stretching for the calf and plantar fascia
- Supportive shoes and custom orthotics
- Night splints
- Anti-inflammatory medication, ice, and activity changes
- Injections when appropriate
- Physical therapy
Most patients improve with conservative care, though it can take several weeks to months.
Surgical options
When pain continues despite a thorough course of conservative care, surgery may help. Options can include releasing part of the plantar fascia and removing the spur, often with minimally invasive surgery through small incisions in our own surgery center. We review the risks, benefits, and recovery for each option with you.
When you should contact us
- Heel pain that lasts more than a couple of weeks
- Pain that changes how you walk
- Pain that keeps you from work, exercise, or daily activity
- Swelling, numbness, or tingling in the heel
Start feeling better today
We will find the cause of your heel pain and guide you through treatment, from simple steps to surgery when needed. Same-day appointments are often available.