Are Heel Spurs Painful? No, heel spurs are not always painful. sometimes heel spurs can go un noticed for years and only when Plantar Fasciitis occurs, does the pain arise.
📌 At a Glance
All the key facts on Heel Spurs in one place — no scrolling, no searching.
Read our Heel Spurs Info Bytes for 20 quick Q&As.
What Are Heel Spurs?
A heel spur is a calcium deposit that forms a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone.
Often associated with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs result from prolonged strain on foot muscles and ligaments.
What Causes Heel Spurs?
- Poor Footwear: Tight or unsupportive shoes increase heel stress.
- Foot Structure: Flat feet or high arches cause uneven pressure.
- Overuse: Running or prolonged standing causes micro-tears.
- Excess Body Weight: Adds pressure on heel and plantar fascia.
- Aging: Thinner heel fat pads reduce natural cushioning.
Common Symptoms of Heel Spurs
- Sharp heel pain, especially in the morning
- Dull ache in the heel throughout the day
- Inflammation or swelling
- Tenderness when pressure is applied
- Bony bump in severe cases
Why Wide-Fitting Shoes Are Ideal for Heel Spur Relief
Narrow shoes can compress the foot and worsen heel spur symptoms.
Wide-fitting shoes reduce pressure and provide enhanced comfort
Recommended Features:
- Wide toe box
- Cushioned heel
- Arch support
- Flexible, stable sole
- Removable insoles for orthotics
Other Helpful Treatments
- Rest and reduced activity
- Ice therapy
- Calf and plantar fascia stretches
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Orthotic inserts
- Physical therapy
When to See a Doctor
Persistent heel pain may require professional treatment such as corticosteroid injections, shockwave therapy or surgery.
In Summary
- Heel spurs develop from stress and strain on the heel.
- Symptoms include sharp pain and tenderness.
- Wide-fitting, supportive shoes are key for relief.
- Complement footwear with rest, stretching, and orthotics.
- Are Heel Spurs Painful? Not Always!
Q: Can you have a heel spur without any pain?
A: Yes, quite often actually. Many people walk around with heel spurs and never know they have them. It’s usually only when inflammation kicks in — like with plantar fasciitis — that the pain becomes noticeable.
Q: How do I know if my heel pain is a spur or something else?
A: Heel pain caused by a spur often feels like a sharp jab first thing in the morning. However, other conditions like plantar fasciitis or bursitis can feel similar. A proper diagnosis from a podiatrist or physiotherapist (sometimes with an X-ray) can help confirm the cause.
Q: Are heel spurs permanent?
A: The spur itself doesn’t go away on its own, but the pain and inflammation can usually be managed. Good footwear, stretching, and sometimes orthotics or injections can make a huge difference in symptoms.
Q: Are wide-fitting shoes really better for heel spurs?
A: Absolutely. Wide-fitting shoes take pressure off the heel and allow more room for orthotics or cushioning inserts. That extra space can be a real game-changer if your feet are sore or swollen.
Q: Should I stop exercising if I have heel spurs?
A: Not necessarily, but you might need to tweak your routine. High-impact activities like running can worsen symptoms. Consider switching to lower-impact options like swimming or cycling while your heel recovers.