Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the bones of the heel and move out toward the arch of the foot. They can move against neighboring nerves and bones, causing pain. Heel spurs are usually the result of plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes irritation of the connective tissue between your heel and toes. If they are causing you pain, several treatment options are available. The Mayo Clinic offers several suggestions.
Diligently manage the underlying cause of your heel spurs if one exists. This can alleviate the pain of present spurs and decrease the chances of new ones forming. If you have plantar fasciitis, you might need physical therapy, shoe inserts, certain medications and a night splint among other things. Take all medications as directed and adhere to any other treatment suggestions your doctor makes.
Take over-the-counter pain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen to alleviate pain and inflammation. Talk to your doctor about stronger medications if these do not provide adequate relief.
Consider surgery if your heel spurs are significantly impacting daily living and mobility. Your surgeon might remove the heel spur by opening up your skin to expose the spur or he might do arthroscopic surgery, which involves tiny incisions to place special tools inside your body. He will use a tiny camera to guide him.