Bone Spur Removal

Bone spurs—also known as osteophytes—are small, bony growths that form in response to pressure, friction, or chronic inflammation within a joint or along a tendon attachment. Although bone spurs themselves are not always painful, the structures around them often are. When a spur presses on nerves, soft tissues, or joint surfaces, it can lead to sharp or aching pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty with certain movements or footwear.

In the foot and ankle, bone spurs commonly develop on the heel (often associated with plantar fasciitis), on the top of the midfoot, around arthritic joints, or along the toes where long-standing pressure or deformity is present. They may also form after trauma or from biomechanical imbalances that cause excessive pulling on tendons or ligaments.

At New Orleans Podiatry, your evaluation begins with a detailed examination and advanced imaging to identify the size, location, and cause of the spur—along with any surrounding soft-tissue irritation or joint changes. Because bone spurs are often a sign of underlying structural or inflammatory issues, understanding the root cause is essential for long-term relief.

Treatment is tailored to the area of involvement and the severity of symptoms. Depending on your needs, care may include customized orthotics to redistribute pressure, footwear guidance, stretching and strengthening programs, anti-inflammatory protocols, and Class IV laser therapy to calm irritated tissues. When a spur develops in conjunction with tendon strain or early arthritis, addressing those contributing factors is key to preventing progression.

For patients with persistent pain from a prominent or impinging bone spur, surgical removal may be recommended. Dr. Lang performs these procedures with meticulous attention to both function and aesthetics, often utilizing minimally invasive approaches when appropriate to reduce scarring, shorten recovery, and optimize long-term comfort.

With accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, most individuals experience significant improvement in pain, mobility, and overall foot function—allowing them to return to daily activities with greater ease and comfort.