Ankle Spurs, Foot Spurs, and Heel Spurs—Oh My! Learn More About Bone Spurs in the Feet and How Podiatrists Assess and Treat Them

When you think of spurs, your first thought likely goes to horses.

If you’re imagining the cowboys of old, encouraging their trusty steeds to go the distance or pick up speed—you’re not that far off track in envisioning a bone spur in the feet.

Occurring on the ankle or heels, bone spurs often occupy the same location as a pair of cowboy spurs. But you can’t remove bone spurs on the feet by simply taking off your boots.

In this helpful blog, we’re unpacking everything you need to know about this common foot and ankle condition.

In it, you’ll discover why bone spurs form, what they are, and what treatment options you can pursue if you experience them.

Ready to ride? Well, giddyyup!

What are bone spurs in the heels and ankles?

Bone spurs in the feet occur when the bones of your feet, heels, and ankles grow extra tissue. These bony growths become smooth protrusions that are commonly known as bone spurs.

The technical term for a bone spur is an osteophyte. Knowing this may come in handy if you ever hear a doctor refer to the condition in medical-speak.

Osteo- is a medical prefix for bone, while -phyte is a medical suffix that means growth. Put them together, and they define an osteophyte as a bony growth. Add the term, heel, ankle, or foot in front, and that gives you the general location of where a bone spur can be found.

Bone spurs in the feet and ankles are common. Research indicates they affect around 38% of people.

Achilles osteophytes and plantar osteophytes are the two most common types of foot spurs. These terms refer more specifically to where they are in the heel, with Achilles being at the back of the heel where this tendon attaches (sometimes also called a dorsal spur), and plantar occurring on the underside of the heel bone.

In many cases, foot spurs don’t cause problems, pain, or discomfort. In others, they can irritate soft tissue, impinge on nearby nerves, and impede joint movement in the foot and ankle.

Let’s take a look at what causes these issues and how you can prevent them.

What causes heel spurs and ankle spurs?

Stress and pressure may make diamonds, but they can also lead to bone spurs.

If you follow our blog, you’re well aware that your feet and ankles have a big, important job.

You also know that their consistent use makes them susceptible to strain and injury.

(Check out our deep dives into foot pain while walking and ankle pain to learn more.)

Bone spurs in the feet are often the result of repeated stress and strain. They also crop up in your joints and in places where ligaments and tendons attach to bones.

In addition to the stress and strain we mentioned, your feet have a lot of joints and connective tissue attachments, making them particularly prone to developing bone spurs.

In many cases, bone spurs are your body’s attempt to repair itself or protect you from further stress and injury. When tissue damage occurs near a bone in your foot, your body may create new bone tissue to replace it.

You can think of it like a scar made of bone.

Heel spurs are the most prevalent form of bone spurs in the feet. They’re often caused by repeated stress, strain, and pressure on the heel, and can also arise due to trauma from injury.

Heel spurs are also associated with foot conditions like Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.

What are the risk factors for bone spurs in the feet?

Knowing your risks for developing certain foot and ankle conditions can help you make wise, preventative decisions when possible.

In addition to those with the foot conditions we mentioned above, other factors put you at greater risk for developing bone spurs in the feet.

Risk factors for developing foot and ankle spurs include:

Age—as you age, your heels and ankles are more susceptible to spurs. Natural wear and tear on our joints and the thinning and reduced elasticity of our connective tissues can encourage bone spurs to form.
Body mass—being overweight and obese can add extra stress and pressure to the heels, increasing the risk of spurs.
Chosen footwear—consistently opting for footwear that doesn't support and protect your feet and ankles or fit well can up your risk for bone spurs.
Level of activity—folks who are active put more strain on their feet and ankles as a matter of course. This makes athletes and other active people more susceptible to bone spurs in the feet and ankles.
Certain medical conditions—conditions like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis put you at greater risk for heel and ankle spurs.

What are the symptoms of ankle and heel spurs?

In many cases, heel and ankle spurs don’t cause pain. They may be discovered during an X-ray to assess another issue.

For some, ankle and heel spurs do cause discomfort and pain. When symptoms exist, they often include:

Pain
Swelling
Tenderness
Stiffness
Reduced range of motion
Tingling, numbness, or weakness (in cases where a nerve is involved)

Can ankle and heel spurs be prevented?

Bone spurs in the feet can result from the normal aging process. As we age, so does our body and its tissues. This increases our risk of developing bone spurs.

If you’re concerned about your risk factors and committed to reducing them, there are a few things you can do.

First, check in with your trusted podiatrist to get an up-to-date assessment of your feet and ankles, and get their personalized support and advice to help you prevent heel and ankle spurs.

Dr. Young and her team are always happy to provide you with individualized guidance and care to reduce your risks of foot and ankle issues and maximize your foot health and wellness.

Next, it may be time to consider lifestyle modifications to reduce your risk of developing heel and ankle spurs.

Suggestions include:

Remaining active and flexible with a regular exercise routine
Focusing on getting adequate nutrition and hydration
Practice proper posture and body mechanics
Maintain a healthy weight
Select supportive, comfortable footwear

At a loss about what footwear brands are podiatrist-recommended? We’ve got you covered! Dr. Young has a whole blog series on footwear recommendations. Check out our Footwear Focus blogs to learn more—and maybe discover your new favorite pair!

Next, let’s explore how podiatrists treat bone spurs in the feet.

How do podiatrists treat bone spurs in the heels, feet, and ankles?

In many cases, bone spurs don’t require treatment. But, if your spurs are causing you pain or discomfort, if you experience pain or swelling in the affected area, or if you’re having trouble moving as usual or experiencing numbness or tingling—it's best to seek out the support of a qualified healthcare professional like a podiatrist.

Your podiatrist will be able to assess your issues and recommend a personalized treatment plan that’s designed just for you.

Treatment for bone spurs in the feet may involve:

An icing regimen
Use of over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or muscle relaxers
Establishing rest periods for recovery
Physical therapy
Physician-administered injections to reduce pain and inflammation
In extreme cases, surgery may be an option, but this is typically a last resort.

Another powerful strategy to treat bone spurs in the feet is to invest in custom orthotic inserts for your shoes.

These inserts are custom-fit to your feet, using personalized casts. They’re a great option for active people, busy professionals, and anyone seeking an individualized solution to support their optimal foot and ankle health and wellness.

Custom orthotics can reduce foot strain and pressure, support your muscles and ligaments, and even improve your gait.

At City Step Podiatry, we offer state-of-the-art custom orthotic services. Learn more about our comprehensive approach to ensuring your foot health with our signature approach to orthotics.

Ready to get your own? Book with us easily online to kick off your custom orthotic journey.

If foot and ankle issues are standing in the way of you living your life on your terms—City Step Podiatry is here to help. Dr. Young is experienced and skilled at assessing and treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. She’s committed to keeping Chicago moving forward and stepping strong, without pain.

Our convenient downtown Chicago location and flexible scheduling make it easy for you to connect with the top-quality podiatry services you deserve in the Windy City. With cutting-edge services and singular expertise, we’re proud to serve Chicago’s podiatry needs! Visit our blog regularly for insight you can use to step strong and keep moving forward.