Bone spurs are small, bony protrusions that grow slowly. Approximately 1 in 10 people has a bone spur on their heel, but they can form almost anywhere — including your toes, ankles, and the tops of your feet.
About half the time, bone spurs don’t cause pain, and you may not even know you have one. In other cases, bone spurs can lead to chronic foot pain that ranges from a constant dull ache to sharp pain when you stand.
If you have painful heel spurs or bone spurs, it’s time to find treatment. Sean Rosenblum, DPM, and our podiatric team at Foot and Ankle Care of Passaic, located in Lodi, New Jersey, offer comprehensive care for bone spurs.
As the name implies, bone spurs are sharp protrusions that develop on the bones. They are calcium deposits that build up slowly over time, typically over several months.
Heel spurs and bone spurs range in size and shape. They can grow as large as half an inch long, and they’re often found near joints in the toes and feet. Although the causes vary, bone spurs often develop as the result of repetitive stress and damage from joint conditions like osteoarthritis.
Some possible causes of bone spurs include:
The way you walk could also increase your risk of bone spurs. Some gait abnormalities put more stress on your heel bone and the nerves and ligaments in your foot, which could make bone spurs more likely.
If you have heel or foot pain, it’s time to schedule a podiatrist appointment. Dr. Rosenblum performs comprehensive foot exams to identify and diagnose the cause of your pain. Typically, he diagnoses bone spurs with an exam and medical imaging, like X-rays.
Bone spurs are treatable, and we develop a treatment plan based on your symptoms, age, preexisting health conditions, and lifestyle. More than 90% of people with painful bone spurs find that their symptoms resolve with conservative treatments like:
Dr. Rosenblum works with you to find a combination of treatments that effectively relieves your pain. If you find that conservative care isn’t enough, he may recommend surgery to remove the painful bone spur.
Bone spurs are small, but the pain can keep you from living an active lifestyle. Find ways to relieve your foot pain with an appointment at Foot and Ankle Care of Passaic. Call our office at 973-218-5720 or book online now.
