Foot Pain Blog

Bamagirl, unfortunately you don’t state where the spur is located but in my experience they are sometimes helped by doing these exercise movements. Try these movements for a few days to see if they don’t help reduce the pain. You are going to have to do them forever or the pain and dysfunction are going to return. From either a long sitting position or lying on your back, keep the legs out straight especially the knees. Have the muscles of the feet pull the feet upwards towards the shins. The only movement that occurs is at the ankles. You will know that the movement is being done correctly as there will be a stretching in the calves. Hold that pull for about 10 seconds and then relax for a few seconds. Do that between 5 and 10 times right before you go to bed and upon awakening. Once you learn how to control the movement it can also be done sitting and standing though it is most effective when done in the original positions. The other movement that should be done is to squat fully down but keep the heels on the floor. You will know that this movement is going to help if you have to hold onto something to maintain your balance. Stay in this position of about 30 seconds. Do this at least twice a day and more if possible along with the other movement. If you have to hold onto something to maintain your balance this is okay as with time you will gain the strength and mobility necessary to do the movement unassisted. Hope this helps!
References :
physical therapist

If the pain meds and the exercise does not improve your situation then they may want to do surgery but then you will be on crutches for quite a while, and the bone spur may come back.
References :

Pain medication for a short period of time will not hurt you. It may be necessary to take it until something else can be done.

In the podiatry office where I work we see people with heel spurs everyday. You didn’t say what kind of doctor you seen but you should see a podiatrist. He/She may be able to have special inserts made for your shoes, or have other things that will help. And yes, the exercises do help, if you do them as recommended. Surgery is usually a last resort, and only necessary if nothing else helps.

Icing may also help. Fill a 20-24 oz soda bottle, you want one that is like a rolling pin in shape, a Deer Park water bottle works well, fill it with half rubbing alcohol and half regular tap water. Put it in the freezer, it will not freeze solid because of the alcohol. Put on a heavy sock and roll the bottle under your foot for 15-20 minutes a couple times a day. It will ice and massage at the same time and will help reduce pain and swelling.

Good luck.
References :
podiatry assistant