Sharp, stinging sensations in the foot often stem from small calcium deposits that grow on the underside of the heel bone. These bony growths can cause significant discomfort during your morning walk or while standing at work. Many people find relief through targeted care that soothes the area and restores mobility. Greater Maryland Pain Management offers effective heel spur therapy in Maryland to help you get back on your feet quickly. Our team uses modern techniques to address your specific needs and improve your daily comfort. You can regain your active lifestyle and enjoy every step of your day with the right support. Specialized treatments provide a clear path toward better foot health and long-term wellness. Reach out today to learn how our dedicated approach makes your every move easier.
What Is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur forms when repeated stress on the heel causes a small, pointed calcium deposit to develop along the underside of the heel bone. This growth often occurs after prolonged strain on the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that supports the arch. Many people notice discomfort at heel-to-ground contact because the surrounding tissues become irritated by the increased pressure. The spur itself can be smooth or sharp, yet the tissue around it usually creates the tenderness people feel. A heel spur may form gradually, and symptoms often appear during walking, standing, or rising after rest. Here are some of the most common symptoms people notice when a heel spur begins to affect daily movement:
- Sharp Heel Discomfort During the First Steps of the Day – Many people feel a focused ache under the heel when they stand up after resting. The sensation often eases as the foot warms up with movement.
- Tenderness at the Bottom of the Heel – The area may become sensitive when pressed or when weight shifts through the heel. This irritation can occur during walking or prolonged standing.
- A Feeling of Pressure or Fullness in the Heel – Some people describe a sensation that something small is pushing into the bottom of the foot. That feeling may grow stronger with activity.
- Increased Discomfort After Exercise or Long Days on the Feet – The heel can react to repeated stress from running, standing, or lifting. Muscles and tissues around the spur may tighten, leading to more noticeable irritation.
- Mild Swelling Around the Base of the Heel – The soft tissues can respond to extra pressure from the spur with slight puffiness. This swelling may make the heel feel warm or sensitive when touched.
What Causes Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs often form after long periods of strain on the tissues that support the bottom of the foot, especially the plantar fascia. Many people search for the causes of heel spurs when they begin to feel a steady ache during daily activities, and several common factors contribute to this irritation. The heel bone reacts to ongoing stress by building a small calcium deposit in the area, which can lead to discomfort during movement. Understanding the sources of this strain helps patients protect their heels and relieve the pressure that encourages spur formation. The factors below show how daily habits, physical activity, and foot structure can influence the development of a heel spur:
- Increased Strain on the Plantar Fascia – Repeated pulling on this band of tissue encourages extra bone to form at the heel. This reaction develops over time and often appears in people who spend long hours on their feet.
- Foot Mechanics That Change Pressure on the Heel – Flat feet or high arches shift weight in a way that challenges the tissues under the heel. This pressure encourages the bone to respond by creating a small deposit.
- Long Periods of Standing or Walking on Hard Surfaces – Daily routines that place heavy stress on the heel make the surrounding tissue work harder. The bone may react to this extra load by forming a spur.
- Increased Activity Without Proper Support – Sudden changes in exercise habits can overwhelm the structures of the foot. Without supportive footwear, the heel takes on more strain than it can manage.
- Tight Calf Muscles That Pull on the Heel – Limited flexibility increases tension through the back of the leg and into the heel. The additional pull on the tissues over time encourages spur formation.
What Does a Heel Spur Feel Like
Patients often describe the sensation of a heel spur as a sharp, localized jab, like a needle piercing the skin. This discomfort typically peaks during the first steps taken after waking or following prolonged periods of rest. As movement continues, the intense stinging often transforms into a full, persistent ache that radiates through the arch of the foot. The affected area might feel warm to the touch or appear slightly swollen due to localized inflammation. Chronic cases lead to a permanent feeling of tightness within the heel’s soft tissues. Constant pressure on the calcaneus creates a brushed feeling that makes long shifts on your feet nearly unbearable. Consistent pain signals that the underlying bone growth is irritating the surrounding nerves and ligaments.
Heel Spur vs Plantar Fasciitis: What’s the Difference
Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis often cause similar heel discomfort, yet they develop for different reasons and affect the foot in distinct ways. Many patients notice overlapping symptoms because both conditions involve the tissues that support the bottom of the foot. A heel spur is a small calcium deposit on the heel bone, while plantar fasciitis involves irritation of the plantar fascia itself. Understanding how these tissues differ helps patients describe their symptoms clearly and choose the right treatment plan. The points below further explain heel spurs vs plantar fasciitis:
- Heel Spurs Involve Extra Bone Growth – A spur forms when repeated tension encourages the heel bone to create a small calcium deposit. This growth may not always cause pain, yet it can irritate surrounding tissue during walking or standing.
- Plantar Fasciitis Affects the Soft Tissue – The plantar fascia becomes strained and irritated when it’s overstretched or overused. This irritation leads to sharp or aching discomfort during the first steps after rest.
- Heel Spur Discomfort Often Feels Like Pressure – Many people describe a focused spot or irritation where the spur touches nearby tissue. The feeling may grow stronger during prolonged weight-bearing activity.
- Plantar Fasciitis Creates a Pulling Sensation – The tissue tightens and tugs on the heel with each step, which causes significant discomfort along the bottom of the foot. Symptoms often ease slightly as the fascia warms up with movement.
- Both Conditions Can Occur Together – A heel spur may develop after periods of plantar fascia straining. When both issues are present, the heel may feel tender in multiple areas during activity.
Common Heel Spur Therapies
Treatment focuses on easing strain around the heel, supporting tissue recovery, and restoring comfortable movement. Each therapy targets the source of irritation differently, and patients often benefit from a plan that combines several options. Our specialists offer precise, targeted treatments to calm inflammation, stimulate healing, and improve long-term foot strength. Every recommendation is customized based on the symptoms, activity level, and the sensitivity of the tissues around the heel. The heel spur therapies below represent common and effective approaches:
- Cortisone Injections – This treatment delivers medication directly to the inflamed area to ease discomfort and support smoother movement. Many patients notice improvement within a short period while the surrounding tissues settle.
- Shock Wave Therapy – This noninvasive treatment uses sound waves to encourage circulation and promote healing in irritated structures near the spur. It helps the foot respond more effectively to ongoing stress.
- PRP Injections – Platelet-rich plasma is prepared from the patient’s own blood and placed into the affected area to boost healing. The concentrated growth factors strengthen the body’s response and help restore comfort over time.
Find Relief Today
Heel spurs can interrupt daily movement and make basic activities feel more demanding than they should. Many patients ask about what causes heel spurs when the discomfort begins to limit their routine, and a clear explanation often helps them understand the next step toward recovery. Greater Maryland Pain Management offers physician-guided treatments that support healing, reduce irritation, and restore steady function. Our team focuses on precise care, providing each patient with a plan tailored to their goals and activity level. Anyone ready to move with greater comfort can schedule a visit and begin a structured path toward relief.