Conditions we treat
Heel Spur
Reviewed by Andrew Macdonald, Senior Physiotherapist — AHPRA registered, APA member
What is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur is a small bony growth that can develop on the underside of the heel bone, usually as a result of long-term strain on the plantar fascia — the band of tissue running along the sole of the foot. Heel spurs commonly coexist with plantar fasciitis, and it’s often unclear whether the spur itself, or the associated plantar fascia irritation, is the main source of pain.
Symptoms
Symptoms typically mirror plantar fasciitis — sharp or aching heel pain, often worst with the first steps in the morning or after rest, easing with movement but returning after prolonged standing or activity.
Treatment
Because heel spurs and plantar fasciitis share the same underlying driver, treatment focuses on the plantar fascia and surrounding tissue rather than the bony spur itself — hands-on soft tissue work, taping to offload the area, and a calf and foot strengthening and stretching programme. Shockwave therapy is often effective for heel pain that’s become chronic. The spur itself rarely needs to be addressed directly, since resolving the underlying strain typically resolves the pain.
How we treat it
Treatments used for heel spur
Manual TherapyManual therapy uses hands-on techniques — soft tissue work, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation and fascia distortion release — to ease pain, restore movement and speed recovery.
Shockwave TherapyShockwave therapy uses focused acoustic pulses to stimulate healing in chronic tendon conditions that haven't responded to other treatment, such as Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis.
Exercise RehabilitationA structured, progressive exercise programme — tailored to your condition and stage of recovery — to rebuild strength, restore movement and prevent injuries recurring.Frequently asked questions
Does a heel spur need to be surgically removed?
Very rarely. Most heel spur pain responds well to conservative physiotherapy addressing the underlying plantar fascia strain, without needing to remove the spur itself. Surgery is only considered when conservative treatment hasn't helped after a genuine trial.
Is a heel spur the same as plantar fasciitis?
They're closely related but not identical — a heel spur is a bony growth, while plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia. They often occur together, and treatment for both focuses on the same soft tissue causes.
What causes a heel spur?
Heel spurs develop from long-term strain on the plantar fascia, often linked to the same factors that cause plantar fasciitis — overuse, tight calf muscles, inappropriate footwear, or a sudden increase in activity.
How long does heel spur pain take to go away?
Similar to plantar fasciitis, many cases improve significantly within 6 to 12 weeks of appropriate treatment, though longstanding cases can take longer.
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