Heel Spur

What is a Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of your heel bone (calcaneus). It usually develops over time due to ongoing stress and strain on the plantar fascia — the band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes. While not always painful on its own, it’s often found in people experiencing chronic heel pain.

Heel spurs are commonly associated with plantar fasciitis, and many patients who seek heel spur treatment in KL are surprised to learn that their pain is not just due to the spur itself, but inflammation in the surrounding tissues.

Common Causes of Heel Spurs

Heel spurs can form when there’s repeated strain or biomechanical issues in the feet. Common contributing factors include:

• Flat feet or high arches (overpronation or poor foot alignment)

• Ongoing or untreated plantar fasciitis

• Wearing unsupportive footwear, especially for long hours

• Overuse from sports, running, or high-impact activity

• Pregnancy, where rapid weight gain and hormonal changes may increase heel stress

• Long periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces

Many pregnant individuals in their first trimester report heel pain, which may be linked to soft tissue strain or the early development of heel spurs.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of heel spurs may vary. You might experience:

• Sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning

• A dull ache after prolonged activity

• Swelling or tenderness around the heel area

• Pain that improves with rest but returns with standing or walking

• Increased discomfort when wearing flat or unsupportive shoes

If you're experiencing persistent heel pain during pregnancy, it's important not to dismiss it. Early assessment can prevent worsening of symptoms.

How Heel Spur is Diagnosed

At KL Foot Specialist Podiatry in Sri Petaling, we take a holistic and evidence-based approach to diagnosing heel spurs:

• Review of symptoms and medical history

• Gait analysis and pressure plate examination

• Physical palpation to identify exact pain points

• Referral for X-rays, if needed, to confirm the presence of a bony spur

Whether you're experiencing heel pain during pregnancy or after prolonged activity, our clinic provides accurate diagnosis and tailored heel spur treatment in KL.

Treatment Options for Heel Spur

Effective heel spur treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pressure on the heel bone, and correcting underlying foot mechanics to prevent recurrence. At KL Foot Specialist Podiatry, we tailor each plan based on the root cause of your heel pain — whether it’s a true bony spur or related soft tissue stress.

Here’s how we help you recover:

• Custom Orthotics for Offloading
  Our podiatrist-prescribed insoles are designed to redistribute pressure away from the heel spur, reduce tension on the plantar fascia, and restore proper foot alignment. These orthotics are particularly helpful if you have flat feet, high arches, or work on hard surfaces all day.

• Shockwave Therapy to Break the Pain Cycle
  Shockwave sends acoustic waves deep into the heel tissue to stimulate healing, break up scar tissue, and reduce chronic inflammation. It’s especially effective for patients who’ve had heel pain for months or whose plantar fascia has thickened over time.

• Laser Therapy for Inflammation & Repair
  Low-level laser therapy promotes cell regeneration and improves circulation, helping to speed up healing in the inflamed tissues around the heel spur. It also offers a gentle, pregnancy-safe option for those with heel pain during pregnancy.

• Targeted Stretching & Rehabilitation
  We’ll teach you specific stretches and strengthening exercises to lengthen tight calf and plantar fascia tissues, reduce load on your heel, and prevent the spur from becoming symptomatic again. This is crucial for long-term relief and prevention.

• Footwear Guidance & Activity Modifications
  You’ll receive practical advice on choosing supportive, cushioned footwear that protects your heel from impact. We also guide you on modifying activities that worsen symptoms — especially helpful for active individuals or expectant mothers.

By combining these evidence-based treatments, we don’t just mask the pain — we treat the cause of your heel spur and help prevent it from returning.

What Happens If a Heel Spur Is Left Untreated?

Without treatment, heel spurs can lead to:

• Chronic, daily heel pain that limits walking and exercise

• Altered gait and posture issues due to compensation

• Aggravation of plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis

• Pain radiating up to the knees, hips, or lower back

• Reduced mobility, especially in older adults or pregnant women

Timely treatment is key to avoid long-term complications. Especially for individuals experiencing heel pain during pregnancy, when mobility is already under stress.

When to See a Podiatrist

You should visit a podiatrist if:

• Your heel pain lasts more than a few days or keeps returning

• You notice stiffness or sharp pain first thing in the morning

• You are pregnant and struggling with heel or arch discomfort

• Home remedies like rest, ice, or stretching don’t help

• You want to explore effective heel spur treatment in KL

At KL Foot Specialist Podiatry, we’re here to help you walk pain-free; whether you're an athlete, a working professional, or an expecting mother.