Bone spurs are a response to joint irritation, injury, or inflammation, and they can occur on your toes or feet. Oftentimes, these extra bone growths lead to pain and mobility issues.
If you’re suffering from foot or toe pain from bone spurs and aren’t able to get around very well, our team of podiatrists at Arlington Foot and Ankle Centers in Arlington, Texas, has the knowledge and expertise necessary to effectively diagnose and treat bone spurs.
In this month’s blog, we’re reviewing what you need to know about these common foot and toe afflictions, including how we can help you get relief.
If there are areas near or on a bone that are under undue pressure or suffer an injury, your body may create new bone tissue to replace what’s been damaged. This process is known as osteophytosis, and it leaves something similar to a bony scar. Bone spurs are the result of this tissue repair process.
While numerous things can trigger the development of a bone spur, common culprits of foot and toe bone spurs include:
In most cases, bone spurs develop slowly, and they can present without symptoms. However, as the bone spur grows, the pain can become quite noticeable. If you do develop pain from a bone spur, it can be sharp and stabbing. The spur may also cause stiffness, which can make walking difficult.
Bone spurs can appear in many areas of your feet and toes, but the most common spot for bone spurs to develop and cause disruptive symptoms is in your heel. Let’s take a look at common heel spur formations:
Inferior heel spurs develop on the underside of the heel bone and are often linked to plantar fasciitis. Typically, they remain hidden within soft tissue and may not cause noticeable symptoms until they grow larger.
Posterior heel spurs form at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. If you develop this type of bone spur, you may notice a visible lump that makes wearing shoes uncomfortable and causes pain when walking or running.
Fortunately, bone spurs often respond well to conservative treatments and don’t require surgical interventions. We recommend wearing supportive shoes with a wider toe box, custom orthotics, or extra padding to ease pressure on the affected area.
Other treatment methods include taking anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling and undergoing physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility. These approaches often allow you to stay active and comfortable while the area heals.
While conservative treatments are often effective, some bone spurs require more aggressive methods. If pain from foot or toe bone spurs hasn’t subsided despite trying nonsurgical approaches, our team may recommend surgical removal.
To learn more about how our team can provide you with relief from bone spurs, schedule an appointment by calling your nearest office location or using our online booking feature today.
