Heel Spur Treatment in Woodland Hills

Heel pain can make every step uncomfortable—especially when getting out of bed, standing after resting, exercising, or spending long hours on your feet. Although many patients assume a heel spur is directly causing their pain, the spur itself may only be part of the problem.

At Hillside Foot & Ankle, Dr. Ronny Alfandari provides comprehensive evaluation and advanced treatment for heel spurs and the soft-tissue conditions commonly associated with them. Our goal is not simply to identify what appears on an X-ray. We determine why your heel hurts and create a personalized treatment plan designed to restore comfort, mobility, and confidence.

Don’t let heel pain slow you down. Schedule a heel pain evaluation today.

A heel spur is a bony growth that develops along the heel bone, also known as the calcaneus. It typically forms gradually in response to repeated stress, tension, or pulling on the tissues attached to the heel.

The two primary types are:

A plantar heel spur develops underneath the heel, near the attachment of the plantar fascia. It is commonly associated with plantar fasciitis.

A posterior heel spur develops at the back of the heel, near the attachment of the Achilles tendon. It may be associated with Achilles tendinopathy, insertional Achilles pain, or irritation from footwear.

Heel spurs are common, and some people have them without experiencing any symptoms. In many cases, heel pain comes from inflammation or degeneration of the surrounding plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, or other soft tissues—not from the bony spur alone.

Symptoms may vary depending on the location of the spur and the surrounding tissues involved. 

Patients may experience:

• Sharp or stabbing pain beneath the heel
• Pain with the first steps in the morning
• Heel pain after sitting or resting
• Tenderness at the bottom or back of the heel
• Pain during walking, running, or prolonged standing
• Swelling or irritation around the heel
• Discomfort when wearing certain shoes
• A dull ache that worsens as the day progresses

Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is essential before beginning treatment.

Heel spurs usually develop over time rather than from a single injury. Factors that may contribute include:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Chronic Achilles tendon tension
• Flat feet or high arches
• Abnormal walking mechanics
• Repetitive impact from running or sports
• Prolonged standing on hard surfaces
• Poorly supportive or worn-out shoes
• Tight calf muscles
• Increased body weight
• Age-related changes in the foot
• Sudden increases in exercise or activity

Treating only the painful area may provide temporary relief. For better long-term results, the underlying mechanics and contributing factors should also be addressed.

Dr. Alfandari begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, activities, footwear, and medical history. Your examination may include evaluating:

• The location and pattern of your pain
• Foot and ankle alignment
• Range of motion
• Calf and Achilles flexibility
• Plantar fascia and Achilles tendon tenderness
• Walking mechanics
• Shoe wear patterns

X-rays may be recommended to identify a heel spur and rule out other bone-related conditions. Additional imaging may be ordered when a stress fracture, tendon injury, nerve condition, or another source of heel pain is suspected.

Most heel spur–related pain can be treated without surgery. Your treatment plan will depend on the source of your symptoms, their severity, how long they have been present, and your activity goals.

Treatment options may include:

Supportive shoes can reduce stress on the heel and improve stability. Dr. Alfandari can help identify shoe features that are appropriate for your foot structure and daily activities.

Custom foot orthotics are designed specifically for your feet. They can improve alignment, support the arch, redistribute pressure, and reduce excessive pulling on the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon.

Unlike generic inserts, custom orthotics are prescribed according to your individual foot structure, walking mechanics, and diagnosis.

A personalized stretching and strengthening program may help improve calf flexibility, reduce tension on the heel, and strengthen the muscles that support the foot and ankle.

A night splint may be recommended for plantar heel pain. It gently maintains the foot in a stretched position while sleeping, which can reduce the intense discomfort some patients experience with their first steps in the morning.

Laser therapy is a noninvasive treatment option that delivers therapeutic light energy to the targeted tissues. It may be incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan to help reduce pain and support the body’s natural healing response.

Laser therapy may be considered when heel pain is associated with plantar fascia irritation, Achilles tendon problems, or other inflamed soft tissues surrounding the heel.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy uses focused acoustic energy to stimulate a healing response in chronically painful or damaged tissue. It may be recommended for persistent plantar fasciitis or Achilles-related heel pain that has not improved with basic conservative care.

Shockwave therapy is performed in the office without surgery or prolonged downtime.

Temporary adjustments to running, jumping, prolonged standing, or other aggravating activities may allow irritated tissue to recover without requiring complete inactivity.

Usually, no. A heel spur seen on an X-ray does not automatically require surgery, and removing it is rarely the first treatment recommendation.

The priority is identifying and treating the painful or damaged tissue surrounding the spur. When inflammation, tendon stress, plantar fascia tension, and abnormal foot mechanics are properly addressed, symptoms may improve even if the spur remains visible on an X-ray.

Surgery may be considered only when severe symptoms continue despite an appropriate course of nonsurgical treatment.

Heel pain is not the same for every patient. At Hillside Foot and Ankle, treatment is based on your diagnosis, lifestyle, foot mechanics, and personal goals.

Patients choose our Woodland Hills office for:

• A comprehensive foot and ankle evaluation
• Personalized, nonsurgical treatment plans
• Advanced options including laser and shockwave therapy
• Custom orthotics designed for individual biomechanics
• Care for athletes, active adults, and everyday heel pain
• A comfortable, patient-centered experience
• Convenient access for the San Fernando and Conejo Valley communities

Whether your pain is new, has returned, or has not improved with previous treatment, we can help determine the next appropriate step.

No. Many heel spurs cause no symptoms and are discovered incidentally on an X-ray. Pain often comes from inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, or surrounding tissues.

The bony growth generally does not disappear on its own. However, pain can often be successfully relieved without removing the spur.

Gentle walking may be acceptable, but continuing activities that significantly increase pain can prolong irritation. The appropriate activity level depends on the underlying diagnosis and severity of your symptoms.

Recovery time varies. Newer cases may respond more quickly, while chronic plantar fascia or Achilles tendon problems may require a structured treatment program over several weeks or months.

Yes. When abnormal mechanics or uneven pressure contribute to heel pain, custom orthotics can improve support and reduce strain on the tissues attached to the heel.

Schedule an evaluation if heel pain is persistent, worsening, affecting your ability to walk, or repeatedly returning. Prompt evaluation is also important for severe swelling, sudden pain, numbness, an injury, or difficulty bearing weight.