A bone spur is an extra growth of bone at the back of the heel bone. The spur is usually located close to the attachment of the Achilles tendon.

Due to the shape of the heel bone, increased pressure may be exerted on the skin, the bursa and the Achilles tendon. This can cause pain and swelling.

Complaints associated with a bony protrusion often arise due to prolonged pressure or friction on the back of the heel. This can cause the surrounding structures to become sensitive or irritated.

Possible causes include:

constitution or foot shape;
prolonged pressure or friction;
shoes with a hard heel counter;
a flat foot or high instep;
stiff calf muscles;
doing a lot of sport or walking;
an unusual way of walking;
extra strain on the heel, for example due to being overweight.

The symptoms are located at the back of the heel. The area may feel hard and tender.

You may notice that:

there is a hard lump on the back of the heel;
shoes that cause pain or chafing;
the skin becomes red or warm;
swelling occurs due to an irritated bursa;
walking or exercising is painful;
the Achilles tendon may be sensitive.

A healthy lifestyle can help to reduce the strain on the heel. Getting enough exercise remains important, but the level of exertion must be appropriate for what the heel and Achilles tendon can cope with.

It helps to gradually build up your exercise, walking and standing, and to allow plenty of time for recovery. Strong calf muscles and well-fitting shoes can help to reduce the pressure on the back of the heel.

Maintaining a healthy body weight can also help to reduce pressure on the heel and Achilles tendon. Pain caused by pressure in shoes can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Mental balance and making clear choices regarding exercise, rest and footwear can help to manage symptoms more effectively.

Our lifestyle coaches can support you in working towards a healthy body weight, in a way that suits your daily life.

There is a lot you can do yourself to reduce the pressure on the bony protrusion.

To minimise symptoms, you can:

avoid shoes with a hard heel edge;
choose shoes with enough room at the back;
temporarily adjust the exercise load;
not accompanied by redness, warmth or sores;
check the skin around the heel;
Please get in touch if the pain continues to worsen.

Our podiatrists We’ll look at the position of your foot, your gait and the shoes you wear. We’ll investigate how pressure and friction can be reduced.

Treatment may consist of:

shoe advice;
temporary pressure relief;
podiatric insoles;
advice on shoe modifications;
exercises or working with a physiotherapist for Achilles tendon problems.

If the symptoms remain severe, it may be necessary to consult your GP. Sometimes further assessment or treatment is required.

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Bony protrusion at the back of the heel bone

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