A heel spur is a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. Some heel spurs are painless while others cause chronic pain. A heel spur often accompanies inflammation of the plantar fascia - the band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot.
70-80% of patients with heel pain acquire some degree of relief from stretching exercises, cortisone injections, orthotics and modifications in weight-bearing activities. Approximately 20% of chronic heel pain patients require surgical intervention.
The surgical procedure for heel pain sometimes involves removal of the bony spur, but relief is often obtained through surgical release to the fascia.
Endoscopic plantar fasciotomies and the use of lasers have greatly reduced post-operative swelling and the time away from work.