It can happen to people who participate in jumping or running sports, or who walk or use their feet a lot in other ways. It can also come on from an injury to the heel or by being overweight. Heel spurs should not be confused with pump bumps, which are thick areas of soft tissue in the heel area caused by pressure from wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes that are too small. A true heel spur is an over-growth of bone on the heel. It commonly affects both feet and may grow for several years before causing any pain.
Heel spur is also the name given to an inflammation of the plantar fascia.
This is a structure that runs along the bottom of the foot just under the skin and attaches to the heel bone. This type of heel spur is usually caused by overuse, excessive overweight, or direct blunt injury. Pain may eventually be constant, even while resting. A heel spur may begin to cause pain as the foot flattens or as more pressure is placed on the affected foot. Often, the pain develops slowly and may be ignored for weeks before it becomes troublesome enough to need attention.