Bone spurs in the foot or heel can cause chronic pain, inflammation, stiffness, and irritation that make walking uncomfortable. At Idaho Foot & Ankle, we diagnose and treat bone spurs for patients throughout Twin Falls, the Magic Valley, and surrounding Idaho communities.
While some bone spurs cause no symptoms, others can create significant pain when they irritate surrounding tendons, ligaments, nerves, or soft tissue. Many patients are surprised to learn that the pain is often caused more by inflammation around the spur than by the bone spur itself.
What Is a Bone Spur?![Twin Falls Bone Spurs Podiatrist Advanced Foot & Ankle]()
A bone spur, also called an osteophyte, is an extra growth of bone that develops over time due to pressure, stress, inflammation, or joint changes. Bone spurs commonly form in areas where tendons or ligaments attach to bone.
In the foot and ankle, bone spurs are especially common around the heel, Achilles tendon, toes, and joints affected by arthritis or abnormal foot mechanics.
Common Symptoms of Bone Spurs
- Heel pain or arch pain
- Pain when walking or standing
- Stiffness in the foot or ankle
- Pain that worsens after activity
- Tenderness around the heel or joints
- Inflammation or swelling
- Pain with certain shoes
- Reduced range of motion
Some bone spurs are discovered during evaluation for chronic plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
What Causes Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs usually develop gradually as the body responds to ongoing stress or inflammation. Common causes include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Abnormal foot mechanics
- Repetitive stress
- Aging and joint wear
- Standing for long periods
Patients with structural foot problems may also benefit from learning about adult acquired flatfoot and how poor foot mechanics can increase strain throughout the foot and ankle.
Are Heel Spurs the Same as Plantar Fasciitis?
Not exactly. Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are closely related, but they are not the same condition. Many patients with plantar fasciitis develop heel spurs over time due to chronic tension where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone.
Interestingly, many people have heel spurs without pain, while others experience significant inflammation and discomfort around the area.
Can Bone Spurs Get Worse?
Yes. Ongoing inflammation, poor foot mechanics, repetitive stress, and untreated tendon problems can allow bone spurs to become more symptomatic over time.
Ignoring the underlying cause often leads to continued irritation, pain, and changes in walking mechanics that may affect other areas of the foot and ankle.
How Idaho Foot & Ankle Diagnoses Bone Spurs
Dr. Wettstein performs a comprehensive evaluation of your foot structure, symptoms, walking pattern, and areas of tenderness. Imaging such as X-rays may be used to identify bone spurs and evaluate related conditions affecting the joints, tendons, or fascia.
Because heel pain and joint pain can have multiple causes, accurate diagnosis is important before beginning treatment.
Bone Spur Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the location of the bone spur, severity of symptoms, and underlying condition causing irritation. Your treatment plan may include:
- Activity modification
- Stretching exercises
- Anti-inflammatory treatment
- Supportive footwear recommendations
- Padding or offloading pressure areas
- Physical therapy
- Custom orthotics
- Advanced treatment for chronic pain
- Surgical treatment when conservative care is unsuccessful
Many patients experience relief with custom orthotics that improve foot mechanics and reduce strain on painful areas.
Can Shoes Make Bone Spur Pain Worse?
Yes. Unsupportive shoes, worn-out footwear, and poor cushioning can increase stress on the heel and joints, worsening pain caused by bone spurs.
You may also benefit from reviewing our recommendations for supportive footwear and athletic shoes and knowing when to replace worn-out shoes.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
You should schedule an evaluation if heel pain, stiffness, or foot discomfort continues for more than a few days, interferes with activity, or keeps returning despite rest and home treatment.
Early treatment often helps reduce inflammation and prevent long-term irritation that can become more difficult to manage later.
Bone Spur Treatment in Twin Falls and the Magic Valley
At Idaho Foot & Ankle, we help patients throughout Twin Falls and the Magic Valley find relief from painful bone spurs with personalized treatment plans designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and address the underlying cause of irritation.
Stop Letting Bone Spur Pain Affect Your Mobility — Talk to a Twin Falls Foot Specialist
Bone spurs can make walking, exercising, and standing uncomfortable when inflammation and pressure continue to irritate the surrounding tissue. Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Matt Wettstein helps patients throughout Twin Falls and the Magic Valley diagnose and treat painful bone spurs with personalized care focused on long-term relief and improved function.
Whether your symptoms are related to heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon irritation, or arthritis, Idaho Foot & Ankle offers treatment options designed to reduce inflammation and improve support. Depending on your needs, treatment may include stretching, supportive footwear, physical therapy, or custom orthotics designed specifically for your foot structure.
Call our Twin Falls office at 208.731.6321 or request an appointment online. You can also read patient reviews and get directions on Google.
