If you have a painful lump on your foot, you might have a bone or heel spur. Luckily, some treatments can help with any symptoms you’re experiencing. For fast relief, learn more about this condition below.

What Is a Bone Spur?

A bone spur is abnormal bone growth. It can grow at any bone intersection, but it's mainly found in the spine, neck, and foot—primarily in the toe or heel.

A bone spur may or may not be painful. You might simply notice a bony growth, but you also might experience discomfort, loss of flexibility, grating sensations, swelling, stiffness, or tenderness.

What Are the Causes?

Spurs form when the body is trying to heal itself. They're common in people who have been active their whole lives and who push themselves to their athletic limits, as repeated inflammation from heavy exercise can lead to them.

Osteoarthritis is another leading cause, as this condition makes the cartilage between your bones wear down. As a result, your body creates a bone spur to stabilize the damaged joint. Other causes can include being overweight, injury, and wearing shoes that are too tight.

How Do You Treat Them?

If your bone spur isn't causing you any pain or discomfort, it doesn't need to be treated. However, some people do need medical intervention. Your doctor may try prescription anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections, and hot and cold therapy, or suggest new shoes, orthotics, or weight loss.

If none of these work, your doctor might recommend surgery to remove the bone spur or fuse your bones together. However, this may only be a short-term solution, as the bone spur can grow back.

Westside Podiatry Group is a leading provider of specialized foot care throughout Rochester, Greece, and Gates, NY. They’ve been helping people in the area with their foot pain for the past 50 years. They also help with a large variety of foot problems, including bone spurs, heel spurs, ankle sprains, plantar warts, and bunions. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (585) 225-2290 to schedule an appointment today.