A new, persistent pain or a noticeable bump in your foot or ankle can be puzzling. One common and often misunderstood culprit? A bone spur.

These bony growths can develop in many different parts of the foot and ankle, but we’re here to help! In the following guide, Advanced Foot Care of NJ explains what bone spurs are, where they typically form, and why some cause significant pain while others go completely unnoticed.

A Spur? Like on Cowboy Boots?

Not quite.

A bone spur (or osteophyte) is an extra growth of bone that usually forms along the edges of bones, often near joints.
It’s typically the body’s response to long-term pressure, stress, or inflammation in a specific area.
Here is a critical point: the presence of a bone spur does not automatically mean it is the source of your pain.

Many people have bone spurs without any symptoms at all! Pain typically occurs only when the spur irritates its surroundings by rubbing against nerves or tendons, pressing against the inside of a shoe, or limiting joint movement.

Common Locations for Foot & Ankle Spurs

While they can occur almost anywhere, we frequently see bone spurs in “hotspots” like:

The Bottom of the Heel (Heel Spur)

This is the most famous type of foot spur. Interestingly, while it’s often seen on X-rays of people with plantar fasciitis, the spur itself is rarely the cause of the pain. The discomfort usually comes from the inflamed plantar fascia tissue.

The Back of the Heel

Spurs can also form where the Achilles tendon attaches. These can become quite large and are often irritated by shoe pressure, sometimes forcing people to wear open-backed footwear.

The Top of the Foot

Often, the most obvious spur creates a visible bump near the arch. It can be painless or cause pain from shoe pressure or nerve irritation.

The Toes

Spurs can develop on the small toes, causing pain when they rub together or even underneath a toenail, feeling like a persistent ingrown nail.

Why Diagnosis is Key

Since a spur might not be the true cause of your pain, and most are not visible, a proper diagnosis is essential.

The only way to definitively identify a bone spur is with an X-ray.
A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms and use imaging to determine if a spur is present and if it is the source of your discomfort.

A Note on Treatment

Bone spurs cannot be dissolved with medication or injections. Treatment for painful spurs focuses on relieving pressure and addressing inflammation.

While surgery is an option, non-surgical approaches are always considered first!

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!