A bone spur (or osteophyte) is an extra growth of bone that can form along the edges of bones, often in response to pressure or rubbing. In the foot, common spurs include:

• Heel Spurs: These occur on the bottom of the heel bone. Often they’re associated with plantar fasciitis – chronic pulling of the plantar fascia can lead to a hook-like spur at the heel. Contrary to popular belief, the spur itself isn’t always the cause of pain (plantar fasciitis pain is usually from the fascia, not the spur). However, large heel spurs can protrude into soft tissue and cause discomfort.
• Dorsal Spurs (Top of Foot): Often form on the top of the big toe joint (as part of arthritis, called a bone spur in hallux rigidus) or on the top of midfoot joints. These can press against shoes, causing a painful bump.
• Toe Spurs: Spurs can form around toe joints, especially with arthritis or past trauma. Sometimes people refer to “bone spurs” when they mean a prominent part of a bunion or hammertoe – essentially an out-of-place bone that feels like a spur.
• Back of Heel Spurs (Haglund’s Deformity): A bony enlargement at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches – often from shoe friction (pump bump) or tight Achilles.

Causes of bone spurs in feet include arthritis (wear-and-tear prompting extra bone formation), repetitive stress or pressure, injury, or tight ligaments pulling on bone. For example, years of running or military drills might cause spurs on the feet, or wearing high heels can contribute to a Haglund’s bump.

Bone spurs themselves may not hurt, but if they press on surrounding tissues (like a nerve, bursa, or shoe), they can cause pain, inflammation (bursitis), or calluses. You might feel a sharp pain with pressure (like a heel spur stabbing with each step) or a constant dull ache at a joint with a spur.