Foot pain typically responds to early podiatrist evaluation, conservative treatments like supportive footwear and targeted stretching, and—when needed—custom orthotics. Most patients see improvement within 4-6 weeks of starting a treatment plan. Severe or persistent symptoms warrant in-person assessment to rule out structural issues. Contact our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office for a same-week evaluation.
Heel Spurs: Why They’re Rarely the Real Cause of Heel Pain
Heel spurs show up on X-rays in ~50% of people with heel pain — and ~30% of people with NO pain at all. The spur itself is rarely the pain generator. It’s a calcium deposit that forms in response to plantar fascia tension, not the cause. Treat the plantar fasciitis and the spur becomes irrelevant.
What a Heel Spur Actually Is
A heel spur is a calcium deposit that forms on the underside of the heel bone (calcaneus) in response to chronic tension on the plantar fascia. It’s NOT a “growth” — it’s the body’s response to tissue stress. The spur itself is usually painless. The pain you feel is actually plantar fasciitis.
Why Surgery for Spurs Often Fails
Surgery to “remove the spur” without addressing the underlying plantar fasciitis fails about 60% of the time. Why? Because the spur isn’t the problem. The plantar fasciitis is. Removing the spur doesn’t fix the tissue tension that caused it. Modern treatment focuses on the fasciitis.
Effective Treatment (Same as Plantar Fasciitis)
1. Stretching (calves, fascia) — 4x daily.
2. Supportive shoes 100% of time — no barefoot on hard floors.
3. Custom orthotics — most effective conservative intervention.
4. Night splints if morning pain severe.
5. Shockwave therapy for chronic cases (70-85% success).
6. PRP for failed conservative.
7. Surgery only as last resort. Full heel pain guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do heel spurs need to be surgically removed?
Almost never. Treating the underlying plantar fasciitis resolves pain in 90%+ of cases without surgery.
Can heel spurs go away?
The bone deposit doesn’t disappear, but pain associated with it can resolve completely with proper treatment.
How can I tell if my pain is from a spur or plantar fasciitis?
Almost always plantar fasciitis. The spur is a finding on X-ray; the pain is from the fasciitis.
Will heel spurs get worse over time?
They may grow slightly but rarely cause more pain than the plantar fasciitis itself.
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Foot pain — Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist for foot pain?
If symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks of self-care, interfere with daily activity, or worsen suddenly, schedule a podiatrist evaluation. Early intervention typically shortens recovery and prevents chronic compensation patterns.
Will I need imaging or surgery?
Most foot pain cases resolve with conservative care—custom orthotics, supportive shoe changes, anti-inflammatory protocols, and targeted physical therapy. Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI) is reserved for cases that fail conservative treatment or when structural pathology is suspected. Surgery is rarely the first option.
Does insurance cover foot pain treatment in Michigan?
Most major Michigan insurance plans (BCBS, BCN, Priority Health, HAP, Medicare, Medicaid HMOs, United, Aetna, Cigna) cover medically necessary podiatric care. Custom orthotics may have separate DME coverage rules. Our team verifies your specific benefits before your visit.