The Injury Hub

Heel Spur: Info, Symptoms & Treatment.

Our Chartered Physiotherapists across Ireland are experts in the causes, symptoms and treatment of heel spur.

The Injury Hub: Heel Spur

What is a heel spur?

A Heel Spur is a hook of bone that can form on the heel bone (calcaneus). Heel spurs are caused by a build-up of calcium on the bottom of the heel bone. It is a process that occurs over a prolonged period.

The process may be triggered by a ligament or muscle strain in the foot or by stretching the plantar fascia. Athletes that partake in running, jumping or jogging tend to get them.

Woman with painful metatarsal

How We Can Help.

Symptoms, Treatment & How We Can Help Your Recovery.

Learn about common heel spur injury symptoms, effective treatments, and how our expert team supports your recovery journey every step of the way.

The Heel Spur itself is not thought to be painful. Patients who experience pain with Plantar Fasciitis are suffering from inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia. This the primary cause of pain and not the Heel Spur.

Heel spurs can form in some patients who have plantar fasciitis, it is more likely that it will occur in patients who have had plantar fasciitis for a prolonged period of time.  For example, about 70% of patients with plantar fasciitis have a heel spur.  In addition, 50% of people who have no symptoms of plantar fasciitis also have a heel spur. 

Commonly, pain is intermittent and is often felt on standing in the morning. Over time, pain subsides and returns after periods of rest or during activities such as walking or jogging.

Treatment of Heel Spurs is the same as treatment of plantar fasciitis.

To arrive at an accurate diagnosis, our foot and ankle Chartered Physiotherapists will obtain your medical history and examine your foot. Throughout this process the highly skilled Physiotherapist will rule out all the possible causes for your heel pain other than plantar fasciitis.

The following treatment may be used:

  • Orthotics/Insoles

  • Inflammation reduction

  • Mobilisation

  • Taping and Strapping

  • Rest

High arches, flat feet, being overweight, Diabetes, and improper shoes can increase your risk of developing Heel Spurs.

The terms Heel Spur and plantar fasciitis are often confused. While these two diagnoses are related, they are not the same. The diagnosis of heel spurs can be confused with tarsal tunnel syndrome. Heel spurs are common in patients who have a history of foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

A Heel Spur diagnosis is made when an X-ray shows a hook of bone protruding from the bottom of the foot at the point where the plantar fascia is attached to the heel bone. The plantar fascia is the thick, connective tissue that runs from the calcaneus (heel bone) to the ball of the foot and helps maintain the arch of the foot.

Our Chartered Physiotherapists can assess, diagnose and treatment this painful condition, helping you to get back on your feet.

Our patient’s health journeys

CMM Coate
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Very good attention from Igor. He was professional and friendly and took the time to answer questions. I would certainly revisit Thank you.
Alice O
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The best deep tissue massage by Marcelo! Would definitely go again.
Linda C
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A very plesant and efficient physiotherapy service.
Kevin M
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Had a very positive experience. Had severe back pain and Dylan was able to see me at short notice. He was very thorough and clear in assessing and explaining my condition and structuring a recovery exercise program that worked very succesfully. I am now fully recovered and looking forward to being as active as I was before my injury.
Sonia F
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Really happy with the two appointments I had with Dylan Connelly to treat my calf strain. His approach was both professional and personable and he ensured that I was completely comfortable during all phases of the appointments. He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Amy B
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I met with Lisa on three occasions in relation to my hamstring and she was absolutely amazing! So easy to chat to and super informative. You need to book at least a week or two in advance to get a spot with her and it's no surprise. She's absolutely fantastic! He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lisa O
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I went to Olga for 4 or 5 weeks before the marathon this year for hip pain. I was contemplating not running as my long run training had become so painful on the hip. Olga treated with dry needling and massage and over 2 sessions, I saw a big difference. I continued a weekly session to keep me loose and followed her exercise plan. I completed the marathon with no hip issues and felt like my recovery after was a lot faster than previous years.
Margaret C
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Myself and my mother attended Craig for 3 sessions - he is expert at what he does, so understanding, gentle and kind. Great personality and a really skilled physio. Would recommend him absolutly without reservation.He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Patrick M
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I had a painful trapped nerve in my neck which caused pain together with pins and needles running into my arm and hand. I attended Mohammed twice over a period of two weeks. It completely resolved after second appointment. Mohammed is an expert professional at what he does. I would highly recommend his services. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lauren T
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I can only recommend Dr. Muhammed Sohail. I’ve been to many physio consultants and he’s been the very best so far: dry needling has improved my IT band issues so much over two sessions including my knee pain. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
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