Heel Spur

Heel Spurs (Calcaneal Spurs): What They Are and Why They Hurt

Have you noticed a stabbing or persistent ache in your heel, especially when taking your first steps in the morning or after standing for long periods? You may be experiencing symptoms of a heel spur, also known as a calcaneal spur—a common cause of chronic heel pain.

At Best Foot Doctor NY, we help patients across Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan understand the underlying reasons for heel pain and how to recognize when it may be related to a spur. This condition page explains what heel spurs are, why they form, and how to know if you’re at risk.

What Is a Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a bony growth that develops on the underside of the heel bone (calcaneus). These spurs are typically located where the plantar fascia—a thick ligament connecting your heel to your toes—attaches to the heel bone.

Heel spurs form over time due to repetitive stress and are often associated with plantar fasciitis, though they can exist on their own as well. The bony outgrowth itself may be painless, but when it irritates surrounding soft tissue, it can cause inflammation and discomfort.

The spur may vary in size—from a few millimeters to more than half an inch—and is often visible on an X-ray.

What Causes Heel Spurs?

Heel spurs don’t form overnight. They develop gradually due to prolonged stress on the foot ligaments and muscles, especially in people with poor foot mechanics or high-impact routines.

Common contributing factors include:

• Repetitive strain from running, jumping, or walking on hard surfaces
• Poor foot structure, such as flat feet or high arches
• Plantar fasciitis—chronic inflammation of the ligament on the sole of the foot
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
• Improper footwear that lacks arch support or cushioning
• Excess body weight, which increases pressure on the heel
• Aging, which reduces natural fat padding in the heel

Over time, the body responds to this stress by building extra bone at the point of tension—leading to a spur.

Heel Spurs vs. Plantar Fasciitis

While the two are closely related, they are not the same condition.

Many patients with plantar fasciitis also develop heel spurs, but not all heel spurs are painful. In fact, some are discovered incidentally during imaging for unrelated issues.

Symptoms of Heel Spurs

You may have a heel spur without realizing it—but when symptoms develop, they can be persistent and frustrating.

Common signs include:

• Sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel (especially with first steps)
• Aching heel after long periods of standing or walking
• Tenderness in the heel when pressure is applied
• Mild swelling or warmth at the back or bottom of the heel
• Pain that improves with movement but returns after inactivity
• Pain aggravated by thin-soled or unsupportive shoes

Over time, chronic irritation may lead to changes in gait, posture, or mobility.

Who Is at Risk for Heel Spurs?

Heel spurs can affect anyone, but certain risk factors make them more likely:

• Athletes who run, jump, or train on hard surfaces
• Adults over age 40, especially those with biomechanical imbalances
• Workers who stand for long hours on hard flooring
• People with flat feet or high arches
• Individuals with obesity or significant weight fluctuations
• Patients with a history of plantar fasciitis or Achilles tightness

If you’re feeling unexplained heel pain, especially if you’re on your feet all day, a professional evaluation is recommended.

How Are Heel Spurs Diagnosed?

At Best Foot Doctor NY, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing heel pain. Because heel spurs are often closely tied to other foot conditions, an accurate diagnosis ensures the best path forward.

Diagnostic evaluation may include:

• Review of medical history and daily activity levels
• Physical exam to check for heel tenderness or tightness
• Gait analysis to evaluate how your foot bears weight
• Digital X-rays to confirm the presence and size of a heel spur

Unlike soft tissue injuries, heel spurs are visible on standard imaging. Your podiatrist will also evaluate whether the spur is contributing to your symptoms—or if another issue is the primary cause of pain.

When to See a Podiatrist

You should schedule a podiatric evaluation if:

• You’ve had heel pain for more than two weeks
• Pain is worse in the morning or after rest
• There’s visible swelling or tenderness around the heel
• You can’t walk comfortably or are avoiding normal activities
• You’ve tried rest or home care without improvement
• You feel sharp pain in the bottom of the foot when standing

Early evaluation can reduce the risk of long-term complications and help prevent gait changes or secondary joint pain in the knees, hips, or back.

Why Best Foot Doctor NY?

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit our practice—and we’re equipped to provide expert evaluations with compassion, clarity, and precision.

At our offices in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, we offer:

• In-office digital X-rays to detect heel spurs
• Experienced podiatrists with expertise in heel mechanics
• Condition-focused care with no pressure toward treatment
• Multilingual team members to support your questions
• Same-day and weekend availability

Whether you’re dealing with a painful flare-up or wondering if your heel pain is a sign of something more, we’re here to help you understand the root cause.

Schedule a Heel Pain Evaluation in NYC

Heel spurs can interfere with your routine, your comfort, and your ability to stay active. Don’t wait until the pain limits your lifestyle. The earlier you receive a diagnosis, the easier it is to manage your symptoms and prevent progression.

Visit Best Foot Doctor NY at one of our convenient locations:

• Brooklyn – 1747 E 12th St
• Queens – 110-78 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills
• Manhattan – 55 W 47th St, Suite 1080

Schedule your evaluation today and take your first step toward lasting relief and clarity.