Achilles heel spurs can be painful and frustrating, often developing due to prolonged stress on the heel bone and the surrounding tissues. While many people can manage their symptoms with non-surgical treatments, some cases require surgical removal to alleviate pain. Understanding when surgery is necessary and what to expect from the procedure can help you make informed decisions about your foot health. Here’s what you need to know about Achilles heel spur removal:

What is an Achilles heel spur?

An Achilles heel spur is a bony growth that develops on the back of the foot where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. Excessive stress and strain on the heel bone and the surrounding tissues, including the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia, are the primary causes of Achilles heel spurs. The inflammation of these tissues causes the foot to react by creating extra bone tissue, which, over time, become heel spurs.

Many people don’t realize they have heel spurs until they begin experiencing discomfort, which is often compared to plantar fasciitis pain. It is also commonly believed that plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy are caused by heel spurs when it’s actually the opposite—heel spurs form in response to the swelling and degeneration of the Achilles tendon or the plantar fascia.

When is it necessary to remove an Achilles heel spur?

While Achilles heel spur removal is often a last resort, there are certain cases where it may be necessary. Generally, a podiatrist will recommend conservative treatments to treat the underlying issue, which is typically plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy. If conservative treatments like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications or accommodative footwear and orthotics don’t provide relief, your podiatrist may recommend surgical heel spur removal. This is especially true in cases where the heel spur is causing increased irritation on the Achilles tendon.

What are the benefits of the surgery?

The primary benefit of this procedure is reducing pain caused by the heel spur. After a heel spur is removed, normal function can be restored to the foot, making daily activities like standing, walking and running less painful. In some cases, a heel spur may be removed in addition to repairing any Achilles tendon or surrounding tissue damage, addressing both the underlying issue and the heel spur itself.

What happens during the surgery?

During Achilles heel spur removal, the surgeon carefully removes the heel spur by either shaving it down or cutting it away to relieve pressure on the surrounding tissues. Any damaged or inflamed tissue near the Achilles tendon is also repaired or removed to promote healing and reduce irritation. If the tendon is partially or fully detached, it is reattached to the heel bone using sutures or bone anchors. Once all necessary adjustments are made and all issues are addressed, the incision is stitched closed and the foot is bandaged to support the healing process.

How long does it take to recover?

While recovery times for Achilles heel spur removal surgery differ for everyone, you can expect to be resting and non-weight bearing for the first 4-6 weeks. After the first few weeks, sutures are removed and gradual weight-bearing is introduced along with physical therapy to restore flexibility and strength. Between 3 and 6 months, most patients gain full mobility and can return to normal activities. Keep in mind that it may take longer to return to high-impact activities like running. 

When might surgery be the right option for you?

Achilles heel spur removal may be the right option for you if you’ve been experiencing consistent heel pain that hasn’t improved after 6-12 months of conservative treatments. If the heel spur is causing significant discomfort, hindering your mobility or contributing to inflammation of the Achilles tendon and surrounding tissues, your podiatrist may recommend surgery. Consulting with your podiatrist can help you determine the best course of action based on your symptoms, lifestyle and overall foot health.

If chronic heel pain is affecting your daily life and non-surgical treatments haven’t provided relief, Achilles heel spur removal may be an option for you. A podiatrist from North Texas Foot & Ankle can evaluate your condition and determine if surgery is the best course of action. Call us at (214) 574-9255 or schedule an appointment online for a consultation and take the next step toward better foot health.