What Is the Difference Between Bone Spurs & Heel Spurs?

A heel spur is a bone spur found on the heel bone. A bone spur is an abnormal, bony growth that can be found anywhere on the body. Bone spurs are not painful.

Bone Spur

• According to the Mayo Clinic, a bone spur, or osteophyte, is a bony protrusion that develops along the edge of a bone. A bone spur is not sharp, but smooth. It grows slowly over time.

Causes of Bone Spurs

• A bone spur is often a protective measure taken by the body to heal itself. It's the body's attempt to increase the surface area of a joint, which can often be damaged by arthritis. The spur itself is not the source of pain, but it rubs nearby nerves, soft tissue and bones, causing pain.

Location

• Common places for bone spurs include bones such as the spine; joints where bones meet, such as shoulders and hips; and where tendons and ligaments connect to bones, such as the heel.

Heel Spur

• A heel spur is an abnormal growth of the heel bone, a bone spur on the heel. The body produces calcium deposits on the heel bone where the plantar fascia attaches and runs to the forefoot.

Causes of Heel Spurs

• A heel spur is usually caused by abnormal pronation. People with flat feet develop heel spurs often. Interestingly, people with unusually high arches also have a high instance of heel spurs. Both conditions cause stress on the plantar fasciia where it connects to the heel bone. The extra bony growth is the body's way to reinforce the fascia.

Treatments

• Natural treatments for bone and heel spurs include a cold compress to reduce swelling. Tea tree oil may be used to massage the inflamed area. A healthy diet will reduce excess weight if it is a contributing factor in gait abnormality. Conventional treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed to ease the pain. Your doctor may suggest customized biomechanical support, such as orthotics or heel lifts. If the bone spur limits motion, surgical removal may be necessary.