Finding Relief From Painful Bone Spurs on Your Toes and Feet

Despite their name, bone spurs don’t usually cause pain — you may not even realize you have one. So, if you’re dealing with bone spur-related foot pain, chances are you have a severe case on your hands. Only around 40% of people 60 and older develop bone spurs painful enough to require medical attention. 

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are key to limiting damage, stopping the progression of your bone spur, and ultimately, finding relief. 

Fortunately, you have access to a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon: Dr. Babak Kosari. He and our team have years of experience diagnosing and treating bone spurs and helping you get back on your feet pain-free.

Here’s everything you should know about your options for bone spur treatment.

The basics of bone spurs

As the name implies, bone spurs are sharp protrusions that develop on the bones, formed by calcium deposits that build up gradually, typically over several months. You can also develop painful spurs on your heel.

Heel spurs and bone spurs vary in size and shape and can grow as large as half an inch. We often find spurs near the joints in the toes and feet. Although the causes vary, bone spurs usually stem from repetitive stress and damage from joint conditions like osteoarthritis.

Some other possible causes of bone spurs include:

• Weight struggles
• Foot muscle or ligament strain
• Osteoarthritis in your feet
• Running on hard surfaces
• Spending long periods standing
• Poorly-fitting shoes

The way you walk could also increase your risk of bone spurs. Some gait abnormalities stress your heel bone and the nerves and ligaments in your foot, increasing your chances of getting a spur.

The road to relief

Bone spurs can cause a lot of pain, but the good news is that they are treatable. Dr. Kosari begins by performing a comprehensive foot exam to identify and diagnose the exact cause of your pain. He may also use imaging tests like X-rays to aid his diagnosis.

From there, we develop a treatment plan based on your symptoms, age, preexisting health conditions, and lifestyle. More than 90% of people with painful bone spurs find that their symptoms resolve with conservative treatments such as:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Orthotic shoe inserts
• Physical therapy
• Stretching
• Taping or splinting

Dr. Kosari and our team work with you to find the combination of treatments that effectively relieves your pain. If conservative care isn’t enough, surgery may be the best way to remove the painful bone spur.

Ready to walk away from foot pain? We’d love to talk with you. Call or click to schedule an appointment today. We proudly serve individuals and families in the Valencia neighborhood of Santa Clarita and the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.