Finding Relief for Painful Bone Spurs on Your Toes and Feet

Bone spurs develop as one of the body’s responses to joint pressure, damage, or inflammation. When these bony growths develop on your toes and feet, it can make it painful and difficult to walk, affecting mobility.

A podiatrist is your best resource when looking for solutions to get relief from painful bone spurs affecting the toes and feet. At Alpine Foot & Ankle, our board-certified podiatrist Andrew McCall, DPM, FACFAS, has extensive experience helping patients just like you get relief from a full range of painful foot and ankle conditions, including bone spurs. 

How bone spurs develop

When areas near bone are injured or under pressure, the body sometimes creates bone tissue to replace the damaged tissue. This process, known as osteophytosis, leaves something similar to a bony scar. Bone spurs are essentially a result of the tissue repair process. 

When it comes to bone spurs that form on the feet and toes, common culprits include:

• Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis
• Ill-fitting shoes that cause constant friction
• Overuse strains

Bone spurs develop slowly, and they don’t cause any symptoms in many cases. However, when they do, they can be quite painful. 

When bone spurs start causing pain

Your feet support your entire weight, and they take a lot of stress. This makes it common to develop bone spurs, which can affect various parts of the feet and toes. 

When bone spurs start causing pain, symptoms typically involve sharp, stabbing pain, as well as stiffness. This makes walking painful, depending on the part of the foot affected. 

Types of spurs that affect the feet

The heel is the most common spot for bone spurs in the foot. They can form either at the back of the heel or underneath it.

Inferior heel spurs

These develop on the underside of the heel bone. Spurs that grow in this area are usually linked to plantar fasciitis. They often stay hidden within soft tissue and may not cause noticeable symptoms until they grow larger.

Posterior heel spurs

These form at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. They can create a visible lump that makes wearing shoes uncomfortable and tend to cause pain when walking or running.

Other bone spurs can appear elsewhere in the foot, such as the midfoot (tarsal spurs) or around the toe joints, but heel spurs are the most common and most disruptive to daily mobility.

Finding relief without surgery

The good news is that not every bone spur on the feet or toes requires surgery. For many patients, simple changes can make a big difference. Supportive shoes with a wider toe box, custom orthotics, or extra padding can help ease pressure on the affected area. 

Anti-inflammatory medication may reduce pain and swelling, and stretching or strengthening exercises can improve flexibility. These approaches often allow patients to stay active and comfortable.

When advanced care is needed

Sometimes conservative treatments aren’t enough. If you’re dealing with pain from foot or toe bone spurs despite trying nonsurgical approaches, Dr. McCall may recommend surgical removal. He specializes in minimally invasive surgery, which allows for smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and faster healing. 

This advanced approach often means you can return to normal activities more quickly compared to traditional surgery.

Get relief from painful foot and toe spurs

You don’t have to struggle with painful bone spurs on your toes and feet. With today’s treatment options, you can find relief and get back to moving comfortably again. 

To find out how you can find relief, contact Alpine Foot & Ankle to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation. Rely on our team to help you reclaim your comfort!