![What Is A Heel Spur? [What Are Heel Spurs?] | Balance Foot & Ankle](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2023/07/what-is-a-heel-spur-what-are-heel-spurs.avif)
Quick answer: What Is A Heel Spur What Are Heel Spurs affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
In This Article
- Quick Answer
- Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Care in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle
- Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
- More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
- In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
- Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for plantar fasciitis
- Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for plantar fasciitis
The most important clinical decision with What Is A Heel Spur What Are Heel Spurs isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Related Conditions
Quick Answer
What Is A Heel Spur? [What Are Heel Spurs?] 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 Township: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
What Is A Heel Spur? [What Are Heel Spurs?]
What Is A Heel Spur? [What Are Heel Spurs?]
🦶What Is a Heel Spur? We review Bpone spurs on the heel and heel spur treatment!🦶
Full Video: https://youtu.be/2rrt4xkeBiQ
Related Videos:
Numbness, Burning or Tingling Foot Pain: https://youtu.be/Pdp9HLH9Gsg
Fat Pad Loss: https://youtu.be/54O-B2XqJaY
Heel Nerve Pain: https://youtu.be/1ZqubXExmc4
Plantar Fasciitis: https://youtu.be/2aXlnFVmIY8
Heel Stress Fracture: https://youtu.be/GesHK7hBpJA
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(With some links, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission. Check with your doctor before using any product!)
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If you are in Michigan, consider seeing us at our clinic: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/.
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A heel spur, or calcaneal spur, is a bony outgrowth on the underside of the heel bone (calcaneus). It typically develops in response to long-term inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that stretches from the heel to the toes and supports the foot’s arch. Heel spurs are often associated with a condition called plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed and strained, leading to pain and discomfort in the heel or bottom of the foot. Over time, as the body tries to repair the damage, calcium deposits can build up on the heel bone, forming a heel spur.
DISCLAIMER:
Dr. Tomasz Biernacki received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine in 2013; he completed his Surgical Reconstructive Foot Surgery & Podiatric Medicine Residency in 2017; he completed 2 separate traveling Fellowships in Diabetic Surgery, Skin Grafting & Nerve Surgery. He is double board certified in Podiatric Medicine and Foot & Ankle Surgery separately. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” about himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Biernacki is a licensed podiatrist in Michigan. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Biernacki and you. It would be best to not change your health regimen or diet before consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Care in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle
At Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan patients find a podiatric practice dedicated to delivering exceptional clinical care for the full range of foot and ankle conditions. Our fellowship-trained podiatrists combine advanced surgical skills with a thorough conservative care approach — ensuring that patients receive the right treatment for their specific condition at the right stage of their diagnosis. We believe in transparent communication: patients leave every visit with a clear understanding of their diagnosis, the rationale for their treatment plan, and realistic expectations for recovery.
Related Treatment Guides
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Stress Fracture Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
Our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River and Bloomfield Township office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 are equipped with in-office digital X-ray, ultrasound for diagnostic imaging and guided procedures, and the full range of conservative and interventional podiatric technologies including MLS laser therapy and EPAT shockwave therapy. We accept all major Michigan insurance plans and verify coverage before every appointment. New patients throughout Livingston, Oakland, and surrounding counties are welcome — call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule your first appointment today.
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced, same-day options — including Heel Spur Removal Howell MI at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics.
Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
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
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
Strassburg Sock Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Overnight stretch for morning pain relief
Hoka Bondi 9 Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Max cushion + rocker sole for daily relief
TriggerPoint Footballer Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Plantar fascia release + stretching
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. 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 Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a podiatrist for heel pain without a referral?
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
Should I walk on my heel if it hurts?
What does a podiatrist do for heel pain?
Recommended Products from Dr. Tom
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
What is a heel spur and where does it form?
A heel spur is a calcium deposit that forms on the underside of the heel bone (calcaneus) at the attachment of the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon. It develops in response to chronic tension and micro-tears. Plantar heel spurs form at the bottom; retrocalcaneal spurs at the back. Balance Foot & Ankle evaluates heel spurs at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Does a heel spur always cause pain?
No — many people have heel spurs visible on X-ray without any pain. The pain of 'heel spurs' is usually actually from associated plantar fasciitis (fascial inflammation) rather than the spur itself. Treating the fasciitis relieves pain even when a spur remains. Balance Foot & Ankle at 4330 E Grand River, Howell and 43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Township correctly identifies the pain source.
How do heel spurs form over time?
Heel spurs develop gradually over months to years as repetitive stress on the plantar fascia causes micro-tears at the calcaneal attachment. The body deposits calcium at these repair sites, eventually forming a bony prominence visible on X-ray. Balance Foot & Ankle explains this process to patients and focuses treatment on the underlying fascial condition.
Do heel spurs need to be surgically removed?
Heel spurs rarely need surgical removal. The pain comes from plantar fasciitis (fascial inflammation), not the spur itself. Treating the fascia with orthotics, stretching, and other therapies resolves pain without removing the spur. Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 takes a conservative, evidence-based approach to heel spur management.
How are heel spurs diagnosed?
Heel spurs are diagnosed with a lateral weight-bearing X-ray of the foot, which clearly shows the bony calcaneal projection. Clinical examination identifies whether the associated plantar fascia or Achilles insertion is the source of pain. Balance Foot & Ankle performs X-rays at our Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan podiatry offices to confirm heel spur presence and guide treatment.
What causes heel pain?
Heel pain most commonly results from plantar fasciitis, accounting for ~80% of cases. Other causes include Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, stress fractures, and Baxter's nerve entrapment. Dr. Biernacki performs thorough biomechanical evaluations. Call 810-206-1402 for a same-day appointment.
Should I see a podiatrist for heel pain?
Yes. A board-certified podiatrist can accurately diagnose heel pain using X-rays and diagnostic ultrasound, ruling out stress fractures. Early intervention leads to faster recovery. Call 810-206-1402.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.