Bone spurs near the Achilles tendon: 6 signs and symptoms

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, may sound scary, but they’re more common than you might think. These bony growths form along the edges of bones, usually where bones meet each other, in joints or where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. While they’re not always painful, they can cause discomfort and limit your ability to move freely, especially when they show up in the wrong places. 

When it comes to heel bone spurs, there are two main types, and they form in different spots around the heel:

• Plantar heel spurs — These grow on the bottom of the heel, where the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue, connects to your heel bone. These spurs are often linked to plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes heel pain from overuse and tight foot muscles. 

• Posterior heel spurs — These bone spurs form on the back of the heel, usually where the Achilles tendon attaches. They’re sometimes called Achilles bone spurs and are often caused by tight calf muscles, poor footwear or repetitive stress. Achilles bone spurs can rub against shoes and cause swelling, pain or even a visible bump. 

Both types of heel spurs can make walking uncomfortable, but the good news is that treatment, like physical therapy, can help reduce pain and get you moving again. 

What causes Achilles bone spurs?

Heel bone spurs are very common, affecting approximately 15% of people. Many people have them without even knowing it, but they don’t just pop out of nowhere. They’re usually the body’s way of trying to repair or protect itself. When bones are under stress or joints are inflamed, your body may create extra bone to help out. However, this help can actually lead to stiffness or pain. Causes of bone spurs can include:

• Osteoarthritis

• Repetitive movements or stress

• Aging

• Posture problems

• Injuries

• Poor foot mechanics

• Being overweight, which puts extra pressure on joints

6 symptoms of Achilles bone spurs

Achilles bone spurs grow on the back of the heel, where the Achilles tendon connects to the heel bone. This spot takes on a lot of pressure, especially if you run, walk a lot or wear unsupportive shoes. Some bone spurs don’t cause any symptoms at all. However, Achilles bone spurs can cause symptoms such as:

1. Pain or tenderness at the back of the heel

2. Swelling or redness around the Achilles area

3. Stiffness, especially after resting or in the morning

4. A hard bump that you can feel or see on the heel

5. Pain when wearing tight shoes or doing activities like walking uphill

6. Changes in walking or limping

Achilles bone spur pain usually starts off mild, but it can get worse if the spur keeps irritating the tendon. 

Possible complications of Achilles bone spurs

If Achilles bone spurs are left untreated, they can lead to more serious problems, such as:

• Chronic inflammation of the Achilles tendon (Achilles tendinitis)

• Tendon thickening or stiffness

• Achilles tendon tears

• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods

• Bursitis, inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the tendons

These complications can affect your quality of life and mobility, which is why early treatment is so important. 

Treatment options for Achilles bone spurs

Treatment depends on how severe the pain is and how long you’ve had symptoms. Treatment options for bone spurs may include:

• Rest and avoiding activities that make the pain worse

• Cold therapy to reduce swelling and inflammation

• Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen to ease pain and inflammation

• Supportive footwear that doesn’t rub against the Achilles bone spur

• Heel pads or orthotic inserts to take pressure off the area

• Physical therapy, which can help relieve pain and improve movement

• Corticosteroid injections used cautiously to reduce inflammation and pain around the Achilles tendon

• In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the spur and repair the tendon

Physical therapy techniques for Achilles bone spurs

Physical therapy is a great way to help manage Achilles bone spurs without surgery. A trained physical therapist will evaluate your condition and create a personalized treatment plan designed to help you build strength, improve flexibility and reduce irritation around the tendon. Physical therapy techniques they may incorporate into your treatment plan include:

• Strengthening exercises — These exercises can help strengthen the muscles in your calf and lower leg. Strong muscles can provide better support for the Achilles tendon and reduce stress on the heel bone where the spur is located. Examples include calf raises and exercises using resistance bands to strengthen the muscles that move your ankle.

• Stretching exercises — Stretches are crucial for improving flexibility in your Achilles tendon and calf muscles. It can reduce tension on the heel bone and ease pain. Your physical therapist will show you the correct way to do stretches like the calf stretch and other variations that target different parts of your calf muscle and Achilles tendon. 

• Manual therapy — Your physical therapists will use hands-on techniques to gently mobilize the joints and soft tissue in your foot, ankle and lower leg. This can help improve your range of motion, reduce stiffness and promote better tissue healing. 

It’s important to remember that physical therapy aims to manage your symptoms and improve your function. While it can’t make bone spurs go away, it can help lower your pain, improve your movement and help you return to your normal activities. 

KC Rehab is ready to help you take the first step toward relief

Bone spurs, including Achilles bone spurs, can make everyday movement painful and frustrating. At KC Rehab, we understand how they can affect your quality of life, and we’re here to help you move better and feel better. Our expert team of physical therapists takes a personalized approach to treatment. That means we don’t just treat the symptoms; we work with you to find the root cause and create a plan that fits your body, lifestyle and goals. Our comprehensive and compassionate care is designed to support your path to healing and get you back on your feet. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.