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Minimally Invasive Bone Spur Removal
Dealing with a bony bump that’s rubbing you the wrong way? Bone spurs—on the heel, toes, or top of the foot—can cause sharp pain and limit footwear. Our minimally invasive technique removes painful spurs through tiny incisions for minimal downtime and small scars, so you can get back to comfortable steps sooner.
What Are Bone Spurs & Why Do They Form?
A bone spur (osteophyte) is an extra growth that develops where joints, tendons, or ligaments experience stress or friction. In feet, common sites include:
- Heel spurs: Often seen with plantar fasciitis; large spurs may irritate soft tissues.
- Dorsal spurs (top of foot): Over the big toe or midfoot joints; can rub against shoes.
- Toe spurs: Around arthritic or previously injured joints, sometimes mimicking bunion/hammertoe bumps.
- Back-of-heel spurs (Haglund’s): Bony enlargement near the Achilles insertion aggravated by shoe friction.
Drivers include arthritis, repetitive stress, prior injury, or tight soft tissues. Spurs can be painless, but when they press on nerves or shoes, they cause sharp or aching pain, inflammation, or calluses.
Why Choose a Minimally Invasive Approach?
- Tiny incisions: Often one or two ~2 mm portals for select toe and dorsal spurs.
- Less tissue disruption: Precise instruments target the spur and preserve healthy tissue.
- Fewer sutures (in select cases): Small portals may not require stitches.
- Faster recovery: Many resume protected walking soon after, per guidance.
- Subtle cosmetic result: Smaller scars than traditional open procedures.
Not every spur is ideal for a minimally invasive method (e.g., large Haglund’s or complex arthritis). Dr. Patish will recommend the safest, most effective option for your case.
How the Procedure Works
- Evaluation & imaging: Exam plus X-rays (as needed) to map spur size and location.
- Planning: Review footwear, goals, and conservative care tried (pads, orthotics, injections).
- Minimally invasive smoothing/removal: Spur is recontoured via small portals with specialized tools.
- Dressings & protection: Light dressing and guidance on footwear and activity.
- Follow-up: Monitor healing, shoe comfort, and pressure points.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Activity: Short period of modified activity; most daily tasks resume quickly with precautions.
- Footwear: Transition to roomier/softer uppers as swelling subsides; padding if rubbing persists.
- Pain control: Typically rest, elevation, ice, and OTC meds if appropriate.
- Adjuncts: Custom orthotics or shoe modifications to prevent recurrence from pressure/mechanics.
Recovery varies by spur type, health status, and goals—your plan will be tailored to you.
When to Consider Bone Spur Removal
- Persistent pain despite padding, shoe changes, orthotics, or injections.
- Recurrent calluses, bursitis, or shoe irritation directly over a bony bump.
- Footwear or activity limits due to a prominent spur.
- Spur confirmed on X-ray with pain at the matching site.
Conservative care comes first. If a spur remains the pain driver, minimally invasive removal may offer lasting relief.
Ready to Take the Pressure Off?
Let’s confirm the source of your pain and choose the least invasive path to relief. From tiny-incision smoothing to footwear and orthotic strategies, we’ll build a plan that fits your lifestyle—and your shoes.