Heel pain: does a spur on an X-ray mean surgery?

Heel pain

A heel spur on an X-ray does not, by itself, mean that it needs to be removed. The cause of the pain needs to be identified first; heel pain can have different causes.

What is one common cause?

Pain in the band of tissue along the sole of the foot, called the plantar fascia, is a common cause of pain under the heel. Pain may be worse with the first steps after sleep or rest. This pattern helps identify the problem, but it does not replace an examination.

Where does treatment usually start?

Suitable footwear, adjusting activities and appropriate exercises are nonsurgical options. If pain continues or interferes with walking, seek an assessment of its cause and a treatment plan. If you have diabetes or reduced feeling in your foot, also discuss foot pain with a doctor for assessment. Decisions about other treatments depend on examination findings and the response to previous care.

Questions to ask at your appointment

• Is my pain coming from the tissue on the sole of my foot, or is something else causing it?
• What changes do I need to make to my footwear and daily activities?
• Which exercise programme is suitable for me, and when should I be reassessed?

Further reading

• The heel pain educational video and its written explanation
• Arrange an appointment

Sources

1. https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases--conditions/plantar-fasciitis-and-bone-spurs
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/plantar-fasciitis/
3. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/foot-pain/heel-pain/