We always try conservative measures first. For heel spurs, for instance, treating the underlying plantar fasciitis (with orthotics, etc.) often alleviates pain without needing to remove the spur. For spurs on top of the foot, changing footwear (to pairs that don’t rub the spur) or padding the area can help. Achilles-related spurs may improve with better shoes and stretching.

However, if a spur is continually painful, affecting your activity or shoe choices, and not responding to conservative care, removal is an option. Especially if:

• The spur is causing recurrent bursitis or inflammation.
• The spur is large and palpable, affecting footwear (e.g., you can’t wear normal shoes).
• It’s in a location where it’s likely to worsen (like a growing dorsal bunion spur impeding toe motion).
• You simply want it gone for comfort (some patients opt to remove even if the pain is moderate but annoying daily).

Minimally invasive surgery has made the decision easier – since removal no longer means a big deal operation, we can often take care of it with much less fuss.

Our Minimally Invasive Spur Removal Technique

Minimally invasive means we use very small “keyhole” incisions (often just a few millimeters in size) and specialized instruments to remove the bone spur without large open surgery. Here’s how it generally works:

• Tiny Incision, Local Anesthesia: The procedure is usually done under local anesthetic (we numb the area of the foot) – no general anesthesia needed. We make a small incision (or a couple of incisions) just enough to introduce our instruments. For example, for a heel spur on the bottom, we might do a tiny incision on the side of the heel. For a top-of-foot spur, a small incision nearby. These incisions are often about 5mm (less than 1/4 inch).
• Fluoroscopic Guidance: We often use a live X-ray machine (fluoroscopy) to visualize the bone spur in real-time. This is like having X-ray eyes guiding our instruments, so we know exactly where the spur is and how much we’re removing, without having to open the area up fully.
• Specialized Burrs and Tools: We insert a small rotary burr (like a dentist’s drill but for bone) or other cutting instrument through the incision to the site of the bone spur. With precision, we shave down or cut out the spur. The fluoroscopy ensures we remove the spur and smooth the bone just right. The technique is delicate, avoiding damage to the surrounding soft tissue. For example, in minimally invasive heel spur surgery, we can often remove the spur while also perhaps releasing a bit of the plantar fascia if needed, all through a tiny port.
• Minimal Trauma: Because we’re not making a big open incision, there’s much less trauma to muscles, ligaments, and skin. There’s also far less bleeding. No large dissection means less pain post-op and quicker healing. Usually, no internal fixation (like screws) is needed for just spur removal (unless it’s part of a bigger reconstructive procedure). We just smooth the bone and withdraw the instruments. We may irrigate the area and then put a stitch or two in the tiny incision, or sometimes just a steri-strip if it’s small enough.
• Immediate Weightbearing: In many cases, patients can bear weightght after the procedure, as tolerated, often in a protective boot. Because the structure of your foot isn’t destabilized (we’re just removing an outgrowth), you often don’t need casts or crutches for long. For example, with minimally invasive heel spur removal, some protocols allow immediate weight-bearing, and patients can even be in regular shoes fairly quickly. We’ll tailor this to your comfort – some prefer a day or two of partial weightbearing.

Benefits of the Minimally Invasive Approach

• Small Incisions = Small Scars: Cosmetically, the scar is tiny (often a few millimeters). Compare that to traditional open surgery, which might have a 2-3 cm or longer incision. Less scarring is not just about looks – it also means less risk of scar tissue problems or wound healing issues, especially important for diabetics or those with circulation concerns.
• Less Pain, Faster Recovery: Patients generally report much less post-op pain with MIS (minimally invasive surgery) techniques. Many manage with just mild pain relievers for a short time. Recovery is often measured in weeks, not months. For instance, a patient with a top-of-foot spur removed minimally invasively might be back in normal shoes in a week or two, versus 4-6 weeks in shoes after open surgery. Shorter recovery and quicker return to activities are a major plus.
• Outpatient & Local Anesthesia: You avoid general anesthesia risks and can go home the same day, often within an hour or two after the procedure. Many spur removals take under 30 minutes of surgical time.
• High Success, Low Complication Rates: Removing a spur solves the mechanical problem (that bony prominence) completely. And doing it MIS doesn’t compromise that success – we still fully address it. The risks of MIS are low; there’s a small risk of not getting the entire spur (though rare with imaging guidance) or nerve irritation (we’re very mindful of where nerves are when working “blindly,” but we use techniques to protect them). Overall, complications like infection or nerve injury are lower in MIS due to the tiny incisions and less exposure.

Our patients who undergo minimally invasive spur removal are often pleasantly surprised at how easy it is. One said, “I was walking the very next day without that awful pain on the top of my foot – why did I wait so long to do this?!”

Specific Scenarios We Handle

• Heel Spur (Plantar): Often removed in conjunction with plantar fasciotomy if plantar fasciitis is present. We make a small incision on the inner side of the heel, insert a burr to file down the spur under X-ray, and possibly release a bit of fascia. Patients wear a walking boot for a couple of weeks, mostly for comfort, but many can weight-bear right away. Relief is usually profound – that jab with each step is gone. Keep in mind, we’ll have addressed the fascia tension too, so the cause is managed.
• Heel Spur (Posterior/Achilles): This is a bit trickier because of the Achilles tendon. Minimally invasive techniques (like endoscopic calcaneoplasty) can shave the spur on the back of the heel without fully detaching the Achilles. If the spur is large, sometimes a small open approach is still needed to ensure the tendon is safe, but we keep incisions as small as possible. Recovery might involve a bit more protection since the Achilles is involved. Still, it’s far less invasive than old-school, where they’d detach and reattach the tendon in some cases.
• Dorsal Midfoot Spur or Tarsal Boss: A bump on top of the foot (often at the arch or midfoot) – we can shave this through a tiny incision, often no need for any immobilization except a bandage and a roomy shoe for a week. These patients often can drive and walk normally within days, just keeping swelling in check.
• Toe Joint Spurs (Arthritic spurs): For example, big toe joint spurs from arthritis (hallux rigidus). We can do a minimally invasive cheilectomy – that’s the term for removing bone spurs around a joint to improve motion. Via 2-3 small incisions, we insert burrs and remove the dorsal bone spurs that are impinging on the joint. Many patients regain motion and have less pain with walking (no more hitting that spur). This is an elegant solution that avoids a large incision on the top of the toe joint; less soft tissue disruption may also promote faster return to movement.
• Multiple Spurs: If you have more than one spur (say heel and a top of foot), and they bother you, sometimes we can address both in one surgical session (different incisions). We’ll discuss if that’s feasible and safe; often it is, meaning one downtime for two fixes.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

During: You’ll arrive at our surgical suite (or outpatient center). We numb the area thoroughly (you’ll feel a little injection pinch and burn, then it goes numb). If you’re anxious, we can give a mild sedative orally or IV, but many patients do fine with just local – you can even listen to music or just chat with us (some are curious and like to hear what we’re doing, others prefer to tune out). There’s usually no significant bleeding (we might use a tourniquet briefly). You might hear the buzz of the burr – it’s surprisingly quiet and quick. You won’t feel pain, just maybe some pressure or vibration. Once done, we close the tiny incision with one stitch or adhesive. A small dressing and usually a postoperative shoe or boot is applied.

After: We’ll have you rest a short bit then you go home the same day. Post-op instructions typically include elevating the foot for the first 1-2 days (helps reduce swelling and speed healing). Pain is usually mild; we might give a prescription for pain meds just in case, but many just use Tylenol or ibuprofen. You’ll keep the dressing clean and dry for a few days. We often see you in about a week for a quick wound check or to remove a stitch (if any). At that visit, we usually say you can transition to regular shoes if comfortable. It’s important to take it easy for the first week – short walks as needed, don’t overdo it, but also move the foot gently to prevent stiffness (unless told otherwise).

Results: You’ll likely feel the difference as soon as the surgical soreness passes – the localized pain from the spur itself is gone. For example, that top-of-foot spur no longer rubs on your shoe, or that heel spur no longer pokes with each step. Any residual issues from the cause (like arthritis or fascia) should also be improved due to our comprehensive approach (we often address that concurrently). If needed, we’ll guide you on physical therapy or orthotics to prevent spurs from reforming or other issues, but often once a spur is out, it’s out. (Recurrence is rare but can happen over years if the underlying cause persists – we’ll advise you on preventative measures.)

Don’t Let a Little Bone Spur Spur Big Problems

It’s often surprising to patients that something so small (a spur a few millimeters big) can hurt so much. But when it’s your foot bearing weight or rubbing every day, it sure can. If you’ve been avoiding activities, altering your gait, or buying new shoes just to accommodate a painful bump, it’s time to consider a definitive fix. With minimally invasive techniques, removing a bone spur has never been easier or more effective.

Our clinic has embraced these advanced surgical methods because we believe in getting you better faster and safer. Dr. Patish stays up to date with the latest in minimally invasive foot surgery (he’s taken specialized training courses to master these techniques). You’re in skilled hands that have performed many such procedures with great outcomes.

We’ll give you an honest assessment: if we think your pain can be resolved without surgery, we’ll try that first. But if spur removal is indicated, we’ll thoroughly explain the procedure and ensure you’re comfortable with every step.

Many patients say, “That’s it? Why did I wait so long?” when they see the tiny band-aid after surgery and the quick relief that follows. We love those success stories – that’s why we do what we do.

If a bone spur is getting in your way, you don’t have to put up with it. Let’s get you back to pain-free steps and shoes that fit comfortably, sans bump.

Take the Pressure Off – Contact Us: Reach out by phone or text to schedule an evaluation for bone spur pain. Dr. Patish will examine your foot, likely take an X-ray to visualize the spur, and discuss whether minimally invasive removal is right for you. You’ll get all your questions answered (How long is recovery? Can it come back? etc.). We’re here to give you options and hope. Don’t let a spur spur you to sit on the sidelines – with a tiny incision, we can make a big difference in your foot comfort. Call us today and take the first step toward a spur-free foot!