Bone spurs

A bone spur is the body's response to long-term stress on a joint or tendon attachment. Many are painless and need nothing; the ones that hurt are usually treatable without removing the spur at all.

What's Involved

On-site X-ray — Imaging to locate the spur and assess the joint around it.
Cause assessment — Identifying the traction or pressure that produced it.
Conservative treatment — Padding, orthotics, footwear changes, and injection before surgery is considered.

When to Come In

Heel pain on first steps — Classic pain on rising, often blamed on a heel spur.
A hard lump — A firm prominence rubbing against footwear.
Joint stiffness — Reduced movement in the big toe or ankle.

This content is for general information only and isn't medical advice. Results vary from person to person, so talk with your eye doctor about your own eyes. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.