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Heel Spur Treatment: Do You Need Surgery for a Bone Spur?

Dr. Tom’s Top Insole & Orthotic Picks

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases.

PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx

PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx

Severe plantar fasciitis · High arches

$50★★★★½15K+ rev
Buy on Amazon
PowerStep Pinnacle

PowerStep Pinnacle

First-time orthotic users

Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle: EPAT Shockwave for Heel Pain →

$45★★★★½23K+ rev
Buy on Amazon
CURREX RunPro

CURREX RunPro

Athletic / runners

$60★★★★½3K+ rev
Buy on Amazon

Dr. Tom’s Top Pain Relief Picks

Affiliate disclosure: Amazon Associate purchases support our practice.

Dr. Hoy's

Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel

Sore muscles · Plantar fasciitis · Tendonitis

$24★★★★½2K+ rev
Buy on Amazon
Voltaren

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel

Topical NSAID for arthritis · Tendonitis

$22★★★★½50K+ rev
Buy on Amazon

Dr. Tom’s Top Picks for Dress Shoes & Sandals (2026)

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases.

Product Best For Dr. Tom’s Take Get It
Foot Petals Tip Toes
Ball of foot cushions
High heels · Pumps · Flats with thin soles · Metatarsalgia in dress shoes My #1 recommendation for women in heels. Gel cushioning that actually stays in place. Buy Now
Foot Petals Heavenly Heelz
Heel cushions
Slipping out of heels · Heel pain · Achilles rubbing · Loose-fit shoes Two-in-one: cushions the heel AND prevents slipping. Saves a $200 pair of shoes. Buy Now
Foot Petals Strappy Strips
Strap protection
Sandal strap blisters · Heel rub · New shoes break-in · Toe-strap discomfort Prevents the #1 sandal-season complaint. Apply BEFORE the blister forms. Buy Now
Foot Petals Killer Kushionz
Full-foot cushion
All-day standing · Wedding events · Performance · Back pain from heels For events when you need to be in heels for 8+ hours. Gel pad reduces forefoot impact 40%. Buy Now
FLAT SOCKS
No-show liner
Sandals with closed-back · Boat shoes · Loafers · Sweat absorption without sock-show My patient compliance hack: when patients can’t tolerate going sockless, FLAT SOCKS solves the problem invisibly. Buy Now
FLAT SOCKS Sport
Athletic version
Athletic sandals · Running with foot covering · Hiking sandals · Active wear Same FLAT SOCKS concept but with extra cushioning + grip for active wear. Game-changer. Buy Now

Why I recommend Foot Petals over generic gel pads: They actually stay in place. Cheaper alternatives slide forward within 30 minutes; Foot Petals’ adhesive lasts a full day of wear and replaces clean.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy

Quick Answer

Heel Spur Treatment: Do You Need Surgery for a Bone Spur? relates to plantar fasciitis — typically caused by tight calves and arch overload. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.

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Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki explains the topic in detail · Subscribe to Michigan Foot Doctors on YouTube

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon, 3,000+ surgeries performed. Updated April 2026 with current clinical evidence. This article reflects real practice experience from Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Quick Answer

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel, causing sharp morning heel pain that eases after 10-15 minutes of walking. Most cases respond to stretching plus arch support within 6-12 weeks. See a podiatrist if pain persists beyond 6 weeks, worsens, or prevents walking.

Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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👟 Dr. Tom Also Recommends

Podiatrist Recommended Shoes 2026: Dr. Tom’s Top Picks for Every Condition

The right footwear can make or break your recovery. Dr. Tom’s complete guide to the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, neuropathy, bunions & more — with clinical picks for every foot type.

See Dr. Tom’s Top Shoe Picks →
Shop › Heel Spurs
Clinically Reviewed · Updated 2026

Heel Spur Treatment 2026: What Actually Works (Hint: It’s Not About the Spur)

The spur on your X-ray isn’t the pain source. The plantar fascia inflammation around it is — and the right heel cushions address exactly that.

Medically Reviewed
Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — fellowship-trained podiatrist, 950,000+ YouTube subscribers, 3,000+ surgeries performed, 1,123+ five-star reviews. View credentials.
Quick Answer

Heel spurs don’t cause heel pain — the plantar fascia inflammation around the spur does. 70% of people have heel spurs on X-ray with zero symptoms; the spur is an incidental finding. Treat the plantar fasciitis instead: Sof Sole Gel Heel Cup for acute relief, Tuli’s Classic for daily prevention, and ZenToes Gel Heel Pillow for fat-pad atrophy in older patients. Surgical spur removal is almost never necessary.

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product selection reflects our clinical judgment — we only recommend products we would use with our own patients. Our reviews are not sponsored.

Every product in this guide was selected by a board-certified podiatrist based on clinical outcomes in real patients — not based on affiliate commission rates. We've ranked them based on biomechanical design, durability, patient compliance, and cost-to-benefit ratio. All picks are personally recommended in our Michigan clinics every week.

#1 · Best for Shoe Fit Only
$$ · $8-$12
Dr. Scholl’s

Dr. Scholl’s Heel Liners

The pharmacy standard — tested on thousands of patients

★★★★4.3/5(18,420 Amazon reviews)
Our Clinical Take

Dr. Scholl’s Heel Liners earn their place as a closet staple for a specific reason: they solve the most common heel complaint in women’s dress shoes, which is shoe slippage causing blisters on the Achilles. The suede-top, adhesive-back design sits in the back of the heel counter and eliminates vertical slip without bulking up the toe box the way a full-length insole would. The open-cell foam absorbs about 40% of heel-strike impact — modest but meaningful if you’re walking concrete on lunch breaks. I recommend these any time a patient has a shoe they love that runs half a size large. Replace every 30 days; they compress with use. Not for true heel pain (plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bursitis) — those need arch-engagement, not a passive pad.

Best For
  • Shoe slippage
  • Blisters at heel
  • Women’s pumps too big
Skip If
  • Very deep heel pain (needs heel cup, not liner)
Pros
  • ✔ Eliminates shoe slippage immediately
  • ✔ Barely visible from outside
  • ✔ Works in pumps, flats, boots
  • ✔ $10/pair
Cons
  • ✖ Foam compresses in ~30 days
  • ✖ Adhesive can transfer to hosiery in heat
Check Price on Amazon →
Price and availability as of check time. Opens in new tab.
#2 · Best Gel for Plantar Fasciitis
$$ · $12-$18
Sof Sole

Sof Sole Gel Heel Cup

Medical-grade silicone gel for true heel pain

★★★★½4.4/5(12,842 Amazon reviews)
Our Clinical Take

When the issue is actual heel pain — not shoe fit — a silicone gel heel cup is the OTC first line. The Sof Sole uses medical-grade silicone that provides roughly 3x the shock absorption of foam while distributing pressure laterally away from the central calcaneal tubercle (where plantar fasciitis pain originates). The cupped shape matters: it reflects heel-strike force back up into the fat pad instead of letting it shear sideways. I use these in the first 4-6 weeks of plantar fasciitis rehab, paired with a full arch-support insole for daytime and a night splint overnight. The silicone is dishwasher-safe and typically lasts 6+ months of daily wear before flattening. Sizing: women’s 5-10 / men’s 7-12 fit the standard size.

Best For
  • Heel spur pain
  • Plantar fasciitis first 6 weeks
  • Fat-pad atrophy
Skip If
  • Shoes without removable insoles
  • Severe arch collapse
Pros
  • ✔ Silicone is dishwasher-safe, lasts 6+ months
  • ✔ 3x shock absorption of foam
  • ✔ Works with or without insoles
  • ✔ Clinically proven for heel pain
Cons
  • ✖ Takes up room — may need half-size-up shoe
  • ✖ Slight instability first 48 hrs
Check Price on Amazon →
Price and availability as of check time. Opens in new tab.
#3 · Best for Active Users
$$ · $10-$15
Tuli’s

Tuli’s Classic Heel Cups

The one podiatrists still hand out at the clinic

★★★★½4.5/5(15,236 Amazon reviews)
Our Clinical Take

Tuli’s Classic has a cult following in podiatry for a reason: the waffle-grid pattern under the heel mimics the compressive resilience of a healthy fat pad, which is exactly what’s missing in plantar fasciitis, heel spur syndrome, and Sever’s disease (pediatric heel pain, ages 8-14). I’ve prescribed these for decades. The rubber compound returns 80%+ of compression energy on each step, so you’re not just absorbing — you’re getting a subtle spring-back that reduces fatigue over a long day. Smaller than gel cups, so they fit in running shoes and cleats without cramping the heel counter. Wash with soap and water. Replace at 6-12 months depending on body weight and activity.

Best For
  • Heel spur syndrome
  • Sever’s disease (kids 8-14)
  • Jumping athletes
Skip If
  • You need full-length arch support
Pros
  • ✔ FDA-registered Class I device
  • ✔ Gold standard for kids’ Sever’s disease
  • ✔ Fits in athletic cleats and running shoes
  • ✔ Nearly indestructible
Cons
  • ✖ Not full-length — won’t help arch pain
  • ✖ Smaller than gel alternatives
Check Price on Amazon →
Price and availability as of check time. Opens in new tab.
#4 · Best for Fat-Pad Atrophy
$$ · $14-$20
ZenToes

ZenToes Gel Heel Pillow Cushions

Best for fat-pad atrophy (thin-heeled patients)

★★★★4.3/5(8,124 Amazon reviews)
Our Clinical Take

Fat-pad atrophy — the natural thinning of the heel’s protective padding that accelerates after age 50 — is the most common cause of heel pain we diagnose in patients over 60. ZenToes Gel Heel Pillow Cushions aren’t for biomechanical heel pain; they’re a literal pillow of medical-grade TPE gel that replaces lost fat pad thickness. At 10mm thick, they take up significant shoe room, so expect to swap to a half-size-up shoe. But for the right patient — thin-heeled, bruised-feeling with every barefoot step — nothing else feels better. They’re also ideal for the first 2 weeks after heel surgery when the wound needs cushioning without pressure. Hand-wash with soap and water. Replace at 4-6 months.

Best For
  • Fat-pad atrophy
  • Post-surgical heel protection
  • Hard-soled shoes
Skip If
  • Plantar fasciitis (use heel cup instead)
Pros
  • ✔ Replaces lost fat-pad thickness
  • ✔ Ideal for 60+ with thin heels
  • ✔ Post-surgical heel protection
  • ✔ Cushier than any other option
Cons
  • ✖ Takes up 10mm shoe room
  • ✖ Can shift in sneakers — best in slip-ons
Check Price on Amazon →
Price and availability as of check time. Opens in new tab.
#5 · Best Trigger-Point Acupressure
$$ · $22-$28
Heel That Pain

Heel That Pain Heel Seats

Patent-pending acupressure design

★★★★4.3/5(6,712 Amazon reviews)
Our Clinical Take

Heel That Pain’s Heel Seats have a raised center that applies mild acupressure to the medial calcaneal tubercle — the origin point of the plantar fascia. The theory is that sustained gentle pressure on the trigger point desensitizes the nerve and reduces morning heel pain. Patented in 2008; I’ve seen patients who’d failed gel cups, arch inserts, and night splints find real relief here. Not a first-line pick — I’d try a Sof Sole or Tuli’s first — but a worthwhile escalation for stubborn chronic cases. Fitted for left/right (not interchangeable), so order the correct side. Available in multiple firmness levels.

Best For
  • Chronic plantar fasciitis (failed other treatments)
  • Trigger-point sensitivity in heel
Skip If
  • Acute bone injury
Pros
  • ✔ Targets the trigger point directly
  • ✔ Good rescue option after first-line failure
  • ✔ Firm-but-cushioning blend
  • ✔ Multiple firmness levels
Cons
  • ✖ Left/right specific
  • ✖ Can be uncomfortable first week (acupressure learning curve)
Check Price on Amazon →
Price and availability as of check time. Opens in new tab.
4.9★ · 1,123+ Reviews

Products Not Enough? See Michigan's Top Foot Doctors.

Same-week appointments in Howell and Bloomfield Hills. Most insurance accepted. 3,000+ surgeries performed. Patient-first practice — we listen.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Quick reference across all picks. Click any product name to jump to its full review above.

ProductRatingPriceBest For
Dr. Scholl’s Heel Liners4.3★ (18,420)$8-$12Shoe slippage
Sof Sole Gel Heel Cup4.4★ (12,842)$12-$18Heel spur pain
Tuli’s Classic Heel Cups4.5★ (15,236)$10-$15Heel spur syndrome
ZenToes Gel Heel Pillow Cushions4.3★ (8,124)$14-$20Fat-pad atrophy
Heel That Pain Heel Seats4.3★ (6,712)$22-$28Chronic plantar fasciitis (failed other treatments)

More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials

Hoka Clifton 10

Hoka Men's Clifton 10

Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.

PowerStep Pinnacle Insole

The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.

OOFOS Recovery Slide

Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.

As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.

Heel Spur 3 - Balance Foot & Ankle

When to See a Podiatrist

If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.

Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402  ·  Book online  ·  Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills

Frequently Asked Questions

If heel spurs don’t cause pain, why do I have pain where my spur is?

Because plantar fasciitis originates at the same anatomical point where spurs form — the medial calcaneal tubercle. The spur and the inflammation are both results of chronic plantar fascia traction on the heel bone. Treating the fasciitis resolves the pain; the spur remains on X-ray and is harmless.

Should I have heel spur surgery?

Almost never. Modern evidence shows surgical spur removal has high complication rates (nerve injury, stress fracture) and doesn’t outperform conservative treatment. Reserved for severe refractory cases after 6-12 months of failed conservative therapy. Most podiatrists haven’t done a spur removal in years.

Do heel spurs ever need imaging?

Initial diagnosis benefits from a weight-bearing lateral foot X-ray to rule out stress fracture, tumor, or calcaneal cyst. After initial imaging, further X-rays are unnecessary — you don’t need to see the spur shrinking (it doesn’t).

How long until heel cups resolve my spur pain?

The first pain reduction with a good heel cup is usually within 48-72 hours. Full resolution of plantar fasciitis takes 8-12 weeks with a complete program (cups + stretching + nighttime immobilization + good daily shoes). Don’t quit at the first good week — the relapse rate is high.

Sources & References

  1. APMA on heel pain
  2. Radiographic heel spurs in asymptomatic population (JBJS)

Related Guides

The Bottom Line

Stop worrying about the spur. Treat the plantar fasciitis. Sof Sole gel cup + Tuli’s + good shoes + stretching for 12 weeks. Michigan heel pain: (810) 206-1402.

4.9★ · 1,123+ Reviews

Products Not Enough? See Michigan's Top Foot Doctors.

Same-week appointments in Howell and Bloomfield Hills. Most insurance accepted. 3,000+ surgeries performed. Patient-first practice — we listen.

Balance Foot & Ankle — Michigan's Most-Trusted Podiatry Group

4.9★ · 1,123+ patient reviews · 3,000+ surgeries · 950K+ YouTube subscribers

Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
(810) 206-1402
Bloomfield Office
43494 Woodward Ave #208
Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
(810) 206-1402

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home care isn’t resolving your heel pain, a visit with a board-certified podiatrist is the fastest path to accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin offer same-day and next-day appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. We perform on-site diagnostic ultrasound, digital X-ray, conservative care, advanced regenerative treatments, and minimally invasive surgery when indicated.

Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online. Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.

Differential Diagnosis: What Else Could It Be?

Several conditions share symptoms with Plantar Fasciitis and are commonly misdiagnosed in the first office visit. Considering these alternatives is part of every Balance Foot & Ankle exam:

  • Baxter’s neuropathy. Compressed first branch of lateral plantar nerve — burning medial heel pain rather than first-step sharpness.
  • Calcaneal stress fracture. Squeeze test of the heel reproduces pain anywhere; PF is reproduced only at the medial-plantar attachment.
  • Heel spur (incidental). Spurs show on X-ray but rarely cause pain on their own — treat the fascia, not the spur.

If your symptoms don’t fit the textbook pattern, ask your podiatrist which differentials they ruled out — that conversation often shortcuts months of trial-and-error treatment.

In Our Clinic

In our Balance Foot & Ankle clinic, the typical plantar fasciitis patient is a 40- to 60-year-old who noticed sharp heel pain on their very first steps in the morning or after sitting at a desk. Many arrive having already tried cheap shoe-store inserts and a week of ice without relief. On exam, we palpate the medial calcaneal tubercle, check for a positive windlass test, and rule out Baxter’s neuropathy and calcaneal stress fractures. Most of our plantar fasciitis patients respond to a custom orthotic + eccentric calf loading + night splinting protocol within 6–12 weeks — without injections or surgery.

Most Common Mistake We See

The most common mistake we see is: Stretching aggressively before the fascia warms up. Fix: apply heat or move the foot through gentle circles for 3-5 minutes before your first morning steps, then stretch.

Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care

Seek immediate evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle if you experience any of the following:

  • Unable to bear weight on the heel
  • Bruising or visible swelling around the heel
  • Constant rest or night pain in the heel
  • No improvement after 6 weeks of home care

Call (810) 206-1402 — same-day and next-day appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for plantar fasciitis

Advantages

  • ✓ Conservative care resolves 90%+ of cases
  • ✓ Multiple home treatment options
  • ✓ Strong evidence base
  • ✓ Imaging often not required

Considerations

  • ✗ Recovery takes 6-12 weeks
  • ✗ Mistakes prolong recovery
  • ✗ Untreated can become chronic
  • ✗ Can mimic other conditions

In This Article

  1. Quick Answer
  2. In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
  3. Differential Diagnosis: What Else Could It Be? Several conditions share symptoms with Plantar Fasciitis and are commonly misdiagnosed in the first office visit. Considering these alternatives is part of every Balance Foot & Ankle exam: Baxter’s neuropathy. Compressed first branch of lateral plantar nerve — burning medial heel pain rather than first-step sharpness. Calcaneal stress fracture. Squeeze test of the heel reproduces pain anywhere; PF is reproduced only at the medial-plantar attachment. Heel spur (incidental). Spurs show on X-ray but rarely cause pain on their own — treat the fascia, not the spur. If your symptoms don’t fit the textbook pattern, ask your podiatrist which differentials they ruled out — that conversation often shortcuts months of trial-and-error treatment. In Our Clinic In our Balance Foot & Ankle clinic, the typical plantar fasciitis patient is a 40- to 60-year-old who noticed sharp heel pain on their very first steps in the morning or after sitting at a desk. Many arrive having already tried cheap shoe-store inserts and a week of ice without relief. On exam, we palpate the medial calcaneal tubercle, check for a positive windlass test, and rule out Baxter’s neuropathy and calcaneal stress fractures. Most of our plantar fasciitis patients respond to a custom orthotic + eccentric calf loading + night splinting protocol within 6–12 weeks — without injections or surgery. Most Common Mistake We See
  4. Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care
  5. Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for plantar fasciitis

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.

PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: High-arch support to offload plantar fascia

Check Price on Amazon

Strassburg Sock Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Overnight stretch for morning pain relief

Check Price on Amazon

Hoka Bondi 9 Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Max cushion + rocker sole for daily relief

Check Price on Amazon

TriggerPoint Footballer Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Plantar fascia release + stretching

Check Price on Amazon

Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?

Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.

Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available

Call Now: (810) 206-1402

About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.

Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302

Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402

Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)

If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.

📋 Affiliate Disclosure + Trust Statement:
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
#1
⭐ Editor’s Pick — #1 Orthotic

PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

Best For: #1 OTC Orthotic — Plantar Fasciitis + Overpronation
★★★★★ 4.5 (28,341+ reviews)
Amazon’s ChoicePrimeAPMA-Accepted

Dr. Tom’s most-prescribed OTC orthotic. Lateral wedge corrects overpronation that causes 90% of foot pain. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle. Built by podiatrists, used by patients worldwide.

✓ PROS
  • Lateral wedge corrects pronation
  • Deep heel cradle stabilizes ankle
  • Dual-density EVA — comfort + support
  • Trim-to-fit any shoe
  • Used by 10,000+ podiatrists
✗ CONS
  • Trim-to-size required
  • 5-7 day break-in for some
👨‍⚕️ Dr. Tom’s Verdict: This single insole eliminates plantar fasciitis pain in 60% of patients within 2 weeks. The lateral wedge is the active ingredient — it stops the overpronation that causes the fascia to overstretch with every step. Pair with a max-cushion shoe for compound effect.
🛒 Check Latest Price on Amazon — Free Returns →
#2
⭐ Best Premium Orthotic

CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

Best For: Premium German-Engineered Orthotic
★★★★★ 4.4 (4,000+ reviews)
Prime

3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.

✓ PROS
  • 3 arch heights for custom fit
  • Carbon-reinforced heel cup
  • Dynamic forefoot zone
  • Premium German engineering
  • Sport-specific support
✗ CONS
  • Pricier than PowerStep
  • 7-10 day break-in
👨‍⚕️ Dr. Tom’s Verdict: Choose your arch height from a wet-foot test (low/med/high). Wrong arch = re-injury. For runners, athletes, or anyone who failed standard insoles — this is the closest you can get to custom orthotics without paying $500. The carbon heel is what professional athletes use.
🛒 Check Latest Price on Amazon — Free Returns →
#3
⭐ Best Topical Pain Relief

Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

Best For: Topical Pain Relief — Plantar Fasciitis + Tendonitis
★★★★★ 4.6 (5,500+ reviews)
Prime

Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.

✓ PROS
  • Menthol-based natural formula
  • No greasy residue
  • Safe for diabetics
  • Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
  • Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze
✗ CONS
  • Pricier than Biofreeze
  • Strong menthol scent at first
👨‍⚕️ Dr. Tom’s Verdict: Apply to plantar fascia + calves before bed. Combined with stretching, eliminates morning fascia pain. The clean formula means you can use it daily long-term — Voltaren has 30-day limits, Dr. Hoy’s doesn’t.
🛒 Check Latest Price on Amazon — Free Returns →

Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel

Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)

Shop Doctor Hoy’s →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are heel spurs painful?

Heel spurs themselves are not the primary source of pain in most cases. About 70% of people with plantar fasciitis have a heel spur on X-ray, but heel spurs are also found in 15–20% of asymptomatic adults. The pain comes from plantar fascia inflammation at the heel attachment, not from the spur scraping tissue. This is why removing the spur surgically rarely changes outcomes — the fascia degeneration is the underlying problem that drives the pain.

What’s the difference between a heel spur and plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation and degeneration of the plantar fascia ligament at its heel attachment — the most common cause of heel pain. A heel spur is a bony calcium deposit that forms on the bottom of the heel bone. The two frequently coexist, and the spur forms as the body’s response to chronic fascial tension at the heel. Treating the plantar fasciitis resolves the pain in the vast majority of cases; the spur remains on X-ray but becomes asymptomatic.

Does a heel spur require surgery?

Rarely. Heel spur surgery is indicated only when conservative treatment has failed for 12+ months and the specific spur is confirmed as the pain source — not the fascia. This applies to perhaps 2–3% of heel spur cases. Modern surgical approaches include endoscopic plantar fascia release with spur removal; recovery is 6–8 weeks. In our practice, we counsel strongly against spur removal as an isolated procedure because removing the spur without addressing the underlying fascial pathology produces unpredictable outcomes.

How is a heel spur diagnosed?

X-ray confirms the presence and size of a heel spur. A heel spur appears as a bony projection on the calcaneus (heel bone) visible on a lateral foot X-ray. However, finding a spur on X-ray doesn’t confirm it’s causing symptoms — the clinical examination (point tenderness, gait analysis, response to treatment) is equally important. Ultrasound and MRI are used when soft tissue pathology alongside the spur (fascia thickening, partial tears) needs characterization.

Can heel spurs go away on their own?

Bone doesn’t resorb spontaneously in adults without a pathological process. Once a heel spur forms, it’s permanent — but it becomes asymptomatic in the vast majority of patients who treat the underlying plantar fasciitis. The goal isn’t to eliminate the spur; it’s to resolve the fascial inflammation that made it painful in the first place. When the fascia heals, the spur is still there but no longer provokes a pain response.

What treatments work for heel spur pain?

Treatment is essentially identical to plantar fasciitis treatment: daily stretching (plantar fascia and calf), supportive footwear with heel elevation, custom or OTC orthotics, night splints, and activity modification. For persistent cases: corticosteroid injection, shockwave therapy, and PRP. These target the plantar fascia inflammation, not the spur directly — which is appropriate because the fascia is the pain generator. We start with the least invasive options and escalate based on response.

What is posterior heel spur vs. inferior heel spur?

Inferior (bottom) heel spurs form at the plantar fascia attachment on the bottom of the heel and are associated with plantar fasciitis. Posterior heel spurs form at the Achilles tendon insertion on the back of the heel and are associated with Haglund’s deformity (pump bump) and insertional Achilles tendinopathy — a completely different condition requiring different treatment. Both show up on X-ray but are in distinct anatomical locations; the clinical exam identifies which is causing symptoms.

Does shock wave therapy work for heel spurs?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) shows 60–75% success rates for chronic plantar fasciitis and heel spur pain that has not responded to 6+ months of conservative care. It delivers acoustic pressure waves that stimulate healing and reduce nerve sensitization. Treatment consists of 3–5 sessions over 3–5 weeks; results appear over 6–12 weeks. It’s non-invasive, requires no anesthesia, and has minimal downtime. We offer ESWT in-office as a step between conservative care and surgery.

Recommended Products for Heel Pain
Products personally used and recommended by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. All available on Amazon.
Medical-grade arch support that offloads the plantar fascia. Our #1 recommendation for heel pain.
Best for: Daily wear, work shoes, athletic shoes
Apply to the heel and arch morning and evening for natural anti-inflammatory relief.
Best for: Morning heel pain, post-activity soreness
Graduated compression supports plantar fascia recovery and reduces morning stiffness.
Best for: Overnight recovery, all-day wear
These products work best with professional treatment. Book an appointment with Dr. Tom for a personalized treatment plan.
Complete Recovery Protocol
Dr. Tom's Heel Pain Recovery Kit
The complete at-home protocol we recommend to our plantar fasciitis patients between office visits.
1
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
Daily arch support
~$35
2
Doctor Hoy's Pain Relief Gel
Morning/evening application
~$18
~$25
Kit Total: ~$78 $120+ for comparable products
All available on Amazon with free Prime shipping

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a podiatrist for heel pain without a referral?
Yes. In Michigan, you do not need a referral to see a podiatrist. You can book directly with Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists for heel pain evaluation and treatment.
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
Most cases of plantar fasciitis resolve within 6 to 12 months with conservative treatment including stretching, orthotics, and activity modification. With advanced treatments like shockwave therapy, recovery can be faster.
Should I walk on my heel if it hurts?
You should avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces. Wear supportive shoes with arch support insoles like PowerStep Pinnacle. Complete rest is rarely needed, but modifying your activity level helps recovery.
What does a podiatrist do for heel pain?
A podiatrist examines your foot, may take X-rays to rule out fractures or heel spurs, and creates a treatment plan. This typically includes custom orthotics, stretching protocols, and may include shockwave therapy (EPAT) or laser therapy.

Related Treatments at Balance Foot & Ankle

Our board-certified podiatrists offer advanced treatments at our Bloomfield Hills and Howell locations.

Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.
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