Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSignsDiagnosisTreatmentComplicationsPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Signs
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
Prevention
Bone spurs(osteophytes) on feet are common, affecting roughly 38% of people at some point in their life.Bone spurs form in response to tissue damage, whereupon the body creates new bone to try and fix the problem.
This article takes a closer look at the causes and symptoms of bone spurs along with how they are diagnosed and treated.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Bone Spur Overview
Causes of Bone Spurs in Feet
Any situation that creates too much friction within the foot can lead to bone spurs. In fact, if you have arches that are higher or lower than normal, you may be at higher risk of developing bone spurs—especially if you are a runner or you frequently wear tight shoes.
Calcium, the main component of bone, can grow to help pad the affected area. This growth is referred to as a bone spur and may be more harmful than helpful.
graf / Getty Images
Different Types of Bone Spurs in FeetBone spurs that grow out of one of the joints on the top of the midfoot are calledtarsal spurs, whereas bone spurs that grow on the inside or outside of the toe are referred to astoe spurs.
Different Types of Bone Spurs in Feet
Bone spurs that grow out of one of the joints on the top of the midfoot are calledtarsal spurs, whereas bone spurs that grow on the inside or outside of the toe are referred to astoe spurs.
Bone spurs of the foot are more likely to form if you have a condition that causes local inflammation such asdegenerative arthritisortendonitis. These conditions tend to be more prevalent as you age. The inflammatory reaction that occurs when cartilage or tendons are damaged leads to bone remodeling and the formation of bony outgrowths.
Other risk factors for bone spurs in the foot include:
As the cartilage wears down, the bone is remodeled to compensate for the growing amounts of physiological stress placed on the area. The initial bone remodeling reduces the concentration of stress in the area and makes the stress transfer from one tissue to the other as smooth as possible.
What Do Bone Spurs on Feet Feel Like?
Pain in the foot is the most common initial sign of a bone spur in the foot, but symptoms vary based on the location and size of the bone spur.
Toes
A small deformity or bump can start to form over the top of the toes along the joints. A bone spur can also limit the mobility of the affected toe leading to a stiff big toe, orhallux rigidus, making it difficult to walk.
Symptoms of hallux rigidus include:
What to Know About Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe)
Midfoot
A bone spur that develops in the midfoot is called a tarsal boss, and it likely results from:
Bone spurs in the midfoot usually form on top of the foot, and some can be seen as lumps or calluses. This bony outgrowth can become painful when it is inflamed or rubs on surrounding neurovascular structures in the foot.
How to Select Proper Footwear
Heel
Heel spursoccur on the underside of the foot and may feel like a dull ache or sharp pain when walking or standing for long periods of time. Sometimes the discomfort from a heel spur may cause you to change your gait, potentially exacerbating structural issues in the foot.
Risk factors for heel spurs include:
An Overview of Heel Spurs
Most bone spurs in the feet are painless and found accidentally when looking at other conditions. If you report pain in your foot, your healthcare provider—usually a family doctor, podiatrist, or orthopedic surgeon—will suggest getting an X-ray.
X-rays are the most commonly used imaging tool to detect bone spurs. Additional imaging may be needed if the X-ray is inconclusive or indicates more damage than anticipated.
Treatment for a bone spur on the foot depends on the size and location of the bone spur, as well as the symptoms it causes. If you have a painless lump on your foot that is diagnosed as a bone spur, your bone spur can usually go untreated.
Common treatments for bone spurs include:
OTC Medication
Since foot pain is the most common symptom of a bone spur, over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication is often the first line of treatment. OTC medication won’t shrink a bone spur, but it will help with pain.
Good OTC medications for bone spurs on feet include the anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen and naproxen. However, if you have to use these medications for more than one month, consult with your healthcare provider about more suitable long-term treatment options.
RICE Method
Like any other inflammatory injury, using the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method can help reduce pain and minimize swelling.
When you are feeling pain, take arestfrom physical activities that place pressure on your feet. Find someplace comfortable to sit.Elevateyour foot with a few pillows, then apply ice (wrapped in a towel) to the sore area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. After, wear a footcompressionsleeve to help improve circulation, stretch the plantar fascia, and support the arch.
Cortisone Injection
If OTC medications, rest, and ice don’t work to alleviate pain and inflammation, a cortisone injection may help.
Cortisone belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids, which are considered the strongest class of drugs available for reducing inflammation.
A corticosteroid injection provides near-immediate relief that lasts for approximately four to 12 weeks.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy strengthens the muscles and tendons around the weakened area and increases motion in the joints. In this case, physical therapy is usually aimed at resolving or relieving the underlying cause of the bone spurs.
For example, if the underlying cause is osteoporosis, physical therapy may involve a combination of exercises that enhance strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance, with the goal of preventing falls and slowing disease progression.
Does Losing Weight Help with Bone Spurs?Weight loss can help reduce the pressure on your foot and bone spur and relieve or eliminate your discomfort.
Does Losing Weight Help with Bone Spurs?
Weight loss can help reduce the pressure on your foot and bone spur and relieve or eliminate your discomfort.
Orthotics
Basic inserts can typically be found in your local pharmacy, or you can work with your healthcare provider or physical therapist to get custom orthotics fitted for your particular condition.
Surgery
If conservative measures don’t relieve your pain or clinical imaging finds that your bone spur is damaging your joint or the joint space, surgery may be suggested.
Depending on the extent of your injury, surgery can range from simple removal of the bone spur (cheilectomy), which can be done in a matter of minutes, to complete replacement of the joint, to arthroplasty (removal of part of one of the toe bones).
Your orthopedic surgeon may remove bone spurs as part of another surgery like bunion surgery if they believe the bone spur is contributing to your pain. This possibility should be discussed with you prior to surgery.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Cheilectomy Surgery?You should be able to place light weight on your foot within the first few days after surgery; your provider may recommend that you use a crutch or walking cane during this time. Full recovery generally takes about three months.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Cheilectomy Surgery?
You should be able to place light weight on your foot within the first few days after surgery; your provider may recommend that you use a crutch or walking cane during this time. Full recovery generally takes about three months.
What to Know About Big Toe Bone Spur Surgery (Cheilectomy)
Untreated bone spurs in the foot can damage the joint and tissues that surround the joint space. To avoid surgery, it is best to use OTC anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the inflammation. It is also important to figure out the underlying cause of your foot pain. Treating the underlying causes of your bone spur can help limit further damage and bone spur formation.
What Happens If Bone Spurs Are Left Untreated?It is very important to take care of a painful bone spur as soon as you are able to. Allowing the spur to exist as is—or get worse—could lead to permanent weakness or deformity, especially if the bump compresses surrounding neurovascular structures.
What Happens If Bone Spurs Are Left Untreated?
It is very important to take care of a painful bone spur as soon as you are able to. Allowing the spur to exist as is—or get worse—could lead to permanent weakness or deformity, especially if the bump compresses surrounding neurovascular structures.
There are several factors that contribute to the development of bone spurs, including aging, genetics, injuries, poor nutrition, and poor posture.
Since you cannot change your genes or prevent aging, you may not be able to prevent bone spurs entirely. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk.
First and foremost, always strive to eat anutritious, balanced dietthat is rich in calcium and vitamin D, both of which are essential for strong bones.
Eating a nutritious diet will also help you maintain ahealthy body weight. This is important,as excess body weight places extra pressure on your bones and joints.
Wearing well-fitted,supportive shoeswith arch support is critical for preventing bone spurs as well. Look for shoes that offer shock absorbance, especially if you participate in an activity that causes your feet to repeatedly strike the ground, like running or dancing.
Summary
Bone spurs can be extremely painful and limit your mobility or affect your daily life. Early treatment can prevent this from being the case. Most bone spurs can be managed with conservative measures like rest, ice, orthotics, physical therapy, and the use of anti-inflammatory medication.
If you are feeling pain in your foot and think you might have a bone spur, call a healthcare professional to avoid serious complications.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Toumi H, Davies R, Mazor M, et al.Changes in prevalence of calcaneal spurs in men & women: a random population from a trauma clinic.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2014 Mar;15(1):87. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-87Saint Luke’s.Foot surgery: bone spurs.UPMC.Bone spur (osteophyte).American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Plantar fasciitis and bone spurs.American College of Rheumatology.Radiologic approach to arthritis.American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Stiff toe big helux.Finzel S, Sahinbegovic E, Kocijan R, Engelke K, Englbrecht M, Schett G.Inflammatory bone spur formation in psoriatic arthritis is different from bone spur formation in hand osteoarthritis.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2014 Nov;66(11):2968-75. doi:10.1002/art.38794Cedars-Sinai.Bone spurs.UPMC.RICE method for treating injuries.NIH.Effects of Wearing Compression Stockings on Exercise Performance and Associated Indicators: A Systematic Review.Yale Medicine.How do I know if I need a cortisone shot?.Andrew Ang TW.The effectiveness of corticosteroid injection in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.Singapore Med J. 2015 Aug;56(8):423-432. doi:10.11622/smedj.2015118Hartley G, Roach K, Nithman R, et al.Physical therapist management of patients with suspected or confirmed osteoporosis: A clinical practice guideline from the academy of geriatric physical therapy.J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2022 Apr;44(2):106-119. doi:10.1519/JPT.0000000000000346Lewis R, Wright P, McCarthy L.Orthotics compared to conventional therapy and other non-surgical treatments for plantar fasciitis.J Okla State Med Assoc. 2015 Dec;108(12):596-598.Brandao B, Hall A, Aljawadi A, Fox A, Pillai A.Joint sparing management of hallux rigidus: Cartiva SCI vs cheilectomy a comparative review.J Orthop. 2020 Oct;21(1):401-405. doi:10.1016/j.jor.2020.07.004Warganich T, Weksler M, Harris T.Functional outcome analysis of hallux rigidus patients undergoing cheilectomy vs. cheilectomy and proximal phalanx osteotomy: a patient’s perspective.Orthop Musc Syst. 2014 Dec;3(4):1-6. doi:10.4172/2161-0533.1000180
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Toumi H, Davies R, Mazor M, et al.Changes in prevalence of calcaneal spurs in men & women: a random population from a trauma clinic.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2014 Mar;15(1):87. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-87Saint Luke’s.Foot surgery: bone spurs.UPMC.Bone spur (osteophyte).American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Plantar fasciitis and bone spurs.American College of Rheumatology.Radiologic approach to arthritis.American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Stiff toe big helux.Finzel S, Sahinbegovic E, Kocijan R, Engelke K, Englbrecht M, Schett G.Inflammatory bone spur formation in psoriatic arthritis is different from bone spur formation in hand osteoarthritis.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2014 Nov;66(11):2968-75. doi:10.1002/art.38794Cedars-Sinai.Bone spurs.UPMC.RICE method for treating injuries.NIH.Effects of Wearing Compression Stockings on Exercise Performance and Associated Indicators: A Systematic Review.Yale Medicine.How do I know if I need a cortisone shot?.Andrew Ang TW.The effectiveness of corticosteroid injection in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.Singapore Med J. 2015 Aug;56(8):423-432. doi:10.11622/smedj.2015118Hartley G, Roach K, Nithman R, et al.Physical therapist management of patients with suspected or confirmed osteoporosis: A clinical practice guideline from the academy of geriatric physical therapy.J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2022 Apr;44(2):106-119. doi:10.1519/JPT.0000000000000346Lewis R, Wright P, McCarthy L.Orthotics compared to conventional therapy and other non-surgical treatments for plantar fasciitis.J Okla State Med Assoc. 2015 Dec;108(12):596-598.Brandao B, Hall A, Aljawadi A, Fox A, Pillai A.Joint sparing management of hallux rigidus: Cartiva SCI vs cheilectomy a comparative review.J Orthop. 2020 Oct;21(1):401-405. doi:10.1016/j.jor.2020.07.004Warganich T, Weksler M, Harris T.Functional outcome analysis of hallux rigidus patients undergoing cheilectomy vs. cheilectomy and proximal phalanx osteotomy: a patient’s perspective.Orthop Musc Syst. 2014 Dec;3(4):1-6. doi:10.4172/2161-0533.1000180
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Toumi H, Davies R, Mazor M, et al.Changes in prevalence of calcaneal spurs in men & women: a random population from a trauma clinic.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2014 Mar;15(1):87. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-87Saint Luke’s.Foot surgery: bone spurs.UPMC.Bone spur (osteophyte).American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Plantar fasciitis and bone spurs.American College of Rheumatology.Radiologic approach to arthritis.American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Stiff toe big helux.Finzel S, Sahinbegovic E, Kocijan R, Engelke K, Englbrecht M, Schett G.Inflammatory bone spur formation in psoriatic arthritis is different from bone spur formation in hand osteoarthritis.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2014 Nov;66(11):2968-75. doi:10.1002/art.38794Cedars-Sinai.Bone spurs.UPMC.RICE method for treating injuries.NIH.Effects of Wearing Compression Stockings on Exercise Performance and Associated Indicators: A Systematic Review.Yale Medicine.How do I know if I need a cortisone shot?.Andrew Ang TW.The effectiveness of corticosteroid injection in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.Singapore Med J. 2015 Aug;56(8):423-432. doi:10.11622/smedj.2015118Hartley G, Roach K, Nithman R, et al.Physical therapist management of patients with suspected or confirmed osteoporosis: A clinical practice guideline from the academy of geriatric physical therapy.J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2022 Apr;44(2):106-119. doi:10.1519/JPT.0000000000000346Lewis R, Wright P, McCarthy L.Orthotics compared to conventional therapy and other non-surgical treatments for plantar fasciitis.J Okla State Med Assoc. 2015 Dec;108(12):596-598.Brandao B, Hall A, Aljawadi A, Fox A, Pillai A.Joint sparing management of hallux rigidus: Cartiva SCI vs cheilectomy a comparative review.J Orthop. 2020 Oct;21(1):401-405. doi:10.1016/j.jor.2020.07.004Warganich T, Weksler M, Harris T.Functional outcome analysis of hallux rigidus patients undergoing cheilectomy vs. cheilectomy and proximal phalanx osteotomy: a patient’s perspective.Orthop Musc Syst. 2014 Dec;3(4):1-6. doi:10.4172/2161-0533.1000180
Toumi H, Davies R, Mazor M, et al.Changes in prevalence of calcaneal spurs in men & women: a random population from a trauma clinic.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2014 Mar;15(1):87. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-87
Saint Luke’s.Foot surgery: bone spurs.
UPMC.Bone spur (osteophyte).
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Plantar fasciitis and bone spurs.
American College of Rheumatology.Radiologic approach to arthritis.
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Stiff toe big helux.
Finzel S, Sahinbegovic E, Kocijan R, Engelke K, Englbrecht M, Schett G.Inflammatory bone spur formation in psoriatic arthritis is different from bone spur formation in hand osteoarthritis.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2014 Nov;66(11):2968-75. doi:10.1002/art.38794
Cedars-Sinai.Bone spurs.
UPMC.RICE method for treating injuries.
NIH.Effects of Wearing Compression Stockings on Exercise Performance and Associated Indicators: A Systematic Review.
Yale Medicine.How do I know if I need a cortisone shot?.
Andrew Ang TW.The effectiveness of corticosteroid injection in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.Singapore Med J. 2015 Aug;56(8):423-432. doi:10.11622/smedj.2015118
Hartley G, Roach K, Nithman R, et al.Physical therapist management of patients with suspected or confirmed osteoporosis: A clinical practice guideline from the academy of geriatric physical therapy.J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2022 Apr;44(2):106-119. doi:10.1519/JPT.0000000000000346
Lewis R, Wright P, McCarthy L.Orthotics compared to conventional therapy and other non-surgical treatments for plantar fasciitis.J Okla State Med Assoc. 2015 Dec;108(12):596-598.
Brandao B, Hall A, Aljawadi A, Fox A, Pillai A.Joint sparing management of hallux rigidus: Cartiva SCI vs cheilectomy a comparative review.J Orthop. 2020 Oct;21(1):401-405. doi:10.1016/j.jor.2020.07.004
Warganich T, Weksler M, Harris T.Functional outcome analysis of hallux rigidus patients undergoing cheilectomy vs. cheilectomy and proximal phalanx osteotomy: a patient’s perspective.Orthop Musc Syst. 2014 Dec;3(4):1-6. doi:10.4172/2161-0533.1000180
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
