A spur? Like those things the cowboys have on their boots?

Sort of. But not quite!

In podiatry, we tend to encounter bone spurs quite often, but patients who have them frequently don’t know what they are. Runners and regular folks alike confront these bony growths, yet all too often, they dismiss the mystery and suffer in silence instead. To clear things up, Advanced Foot Care of NJ has put together the guide below to explain what bone spurs are, where they typically form, and why some cause pain while others don’t.

What is a Bone Spur? (And Where Do They Appear?)

A bone spur is simply an extra build-up of bone. While the term might sound alarming, bone spurs are actually quite common.

Where can these spurs “mysteriously” show up?

The Heel: Heel spurs are probably the most well-known type.
Big Toe Joint: Spurs can form around this hardworking joint.
Smaller Toes: They can develop on the smaller toes as well.
Around the Ankle: Spurs can occur in the complex ankle joint area.
Top of the Foot: The midfoot area is another common location.

The Pain Question: Do All Bone Spurs Hurt?

Here’s a key point: Not all bone spurs cause pain. Many people have them without ever knowing!

Pain usually occurs when the spur causes friction or pressure.

For instance, if a bone spur rubs up against another bone, like what can happen between the toes, pain is often the result. Interestingly, as far as the heel is concerned, many spurs discovered on X-rays are not the primary source of a patient’s pain!

Treating Painful Spurs: Important Facts

If a bone spur is causing persistent pain, understanding treatment is important:

Spurs Don’t Dissolve!: It’s crucial to know there isn’t a medication or injection that can simply “dissolve” a bone spur.
Conservative First: Our goal at Advanced Foot Care of NJ is always to explore non-surgical options first. We often give recommendations such as specific shoe suggestions, activity adjustments, and sometimes orthotics to relieve spur pain.
Surgery as an Option: For spurs that do cause persistent pain and don’t respond to conservative measures, surgical removal may eventually be considered the best option.

Could Your New Pain Be a Spur?

Don’t let unexplained pain linger! While many bone spurs are harmless, those causing discomfort need proper diagnosis and management, and we’d be delighted to help with both!

At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, our doctor and staff proudly serve the communities of Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Albion Place, and Great Notch. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!