Heel Spurs, also known as Calcaneal Spurs, are hooks of bone that develop on the heel bone or Calcaneus. They are often associated with but not caused by plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs associated with plantar fasciitis occur when the plantar fascia (thick connective tissue running from Calcaneus to the ball of the foot) becomes inflamed and worn down from excessive pressure. The actual bone growth or “spur” does not hurt; however, the pressure the spur puts on the tissues and nerves around it can cause extreme pain. 
Although often seen in footprints and scans, heel spurs are best detected in X-rays.

Surgery is rarely the answer to relieving the pain caused by heel spurs. Removing them is almost never necessary because doctors now realize that they are not the cause of heel pain, but they cause inflammation in the tissues and tendons around them, which ultimately causes pain.  Anti-inflammatory medications and quality arch supports are the very best way to deal with pain from heel spurs.

Ideal Feet arch supports are the best treatment for heel spurs, especially when caused by plantar fasciitis because Ideal Feet products are designed to keep excessive pressure off the heels, in turn keeping inflammation-causing pressure off the plantar fascia.