Heel Spur: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options in London
If you’ve been waking up with sharp pain in your heel or discomfort after standing for long periods, you may be experiencing a heel spur—a common cause of persistent heel pain.
At Flawless Feet Podiatry & Laser Clinic, our expert podiatrists and chiropodists in London
specialize in diagnosing and treating heel spurs using advanced, non-invasive techniques.
What Is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur is a calcium deposit that builds up on the underside of the heel bone over time. It often forms in response to prolonged tension and stress on the plantar fascia—the ligament connecting your heel to your toes. This excessive traction can lead the body to form a bony growth to stabilize the area. While heel spurs themselves may not always cause pain, inflammation of surrounding tissues often results in significant discomfort.
In many cases, heel spurs develop alongside Plantar Fasciitis, making early intervention and accurate diagnosis essential. Our London-based clinics are equipped to provide both precise diagnostics and targeted treatment plans.
What Causes a Heel Spur?
Heel spurs don’t appear overnight—they’re typically the result of ongoing stress and strain on the foot. Common causes and risk factors include:
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Overuse injuries from running, walking, or standing for long periods
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Poor footwear with inadequate arch or heel support
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Excess body weight or weight gain during pregnancy
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Flat feet or over-pronation, which alters the load on the foot
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Aging, which naturally tightens ligaments and weakens muscles
- Walking barefoot frequently on hard surfaces like tiles or concrete
Just as with plantar fasciitis, repetitive stress leads to microtears in the ligament, which eventually results in calcification at the heel bone—this is your heel spur.
Symptoms of Heel Spur Pain
A heel spur may not always be visible or felt initially, but over time, the symptoms become more apparent:
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Sharp, stabbing heel pain first thing in the morning or after rest
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Dull, aching pain throughout the day, especially after long walks
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Swelling or redness under the heel
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Limping or change in walking pattern due to discomfort
- Pain that radiates from the heel up the ankle or along the arch
In more chronic cases, tight calf muscles and reduced ankle mobility may also be present.
How We Treat Heel Spurs at Flawless Feet
At Flawless Feet Podiatry & Laser Clinic, our approach to treating heel spurs is conservative, non-invasive, and evidence-based. Each treatment plan is tailored to your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and activity level. Common treatment options include:
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Custom Orthotics to correct biomechanical imbalances and reduce stress on the heel
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Shockwave Therapy, which promotes tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation
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Stretching and Strengthening Programs targeting the plantar fascia and calf muscles
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Foot Mobilisation Therapy to restore joint alignment and improve mobility
- Footwear Recommendations to support the heel and arch effectively
Our goal is to relieve pain, improve foot function, and prevent future spur formation without the need for surgery.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Heel spurs may start as a minor nuisance but can become a serious mobility issue if left untreated. Chronic inflammation can lead to reduced activity levels, compensatory injuries, and further degeneration of the plantar fascia.
As with plantar fasciitis, the key to effective treatment lies in early diagnosis and intervention. At Flawless Feet, we perform a thorough biomechanical assessment during your first consultation to ensure all contributing factors are addressed.
Trusted Podiatry and Chiropodists in London
At Flawless Feet, we are proud to be among the most trusted podiatry and chiropodists in London.
Whether you’re dealing with a heel spur, plantar fasciitis, or another foot condition, we’re here to provide expert care with compassion and clarity.
We serve patients across London with convenient clinic locations:
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Sydenham Clinic – 30 Sydenham Road, SE26 5QF
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Covent Garden Clinic – Jubilee Hall Gym, 30 The Piazza, WC2E 8BE
- Croydon Clinic – 197a Shirley Road (Entrance in Valley Walk), CR0 8SB
Book online or call us at 020 3713 8361 to schedule your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis often occur together, but not always. A biomechanical assessment and, if necessary, imaging will help us identify the true cause of your heel pain.
Some insurance providers cover podiatry services. We recommend checking with your insurer in advance, and we’re happy to provide documentation if needed.
Recovery depends on severity and compliance with treatment. Most patients see improvement within 4–8 weeks using conservative therapies.
The bony growth itself won’t go away without surgery, but the associated pain and inflammation can be significantly reduced—and often eliminated—through conservative care.
In most cases, no. Conservative treatment is highly effective, and surgery is rarely required unless symptoms are severe and persistent.
Book Your Podiatrist in London
Book your treatment at Flawless Feet Podiatry & Laser Clinic in London and experience expert care designed to relieve discomfort, restore movement, and get you back on your feet, comfortably.
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