A heel spur is a bony growth that extends from the calcaneus (heel bone) on the underside of the heel toward the arch. Heel spurs are not usually visible to the naked eye, but can be detected on x-rays. Not everyone experiences symptoms from heel spurs, and some don't require any medical treatment. Heel spurs develop over time, and can occur after prolonged stress from high-impact activities such as running or jumping on hard surfaces. Wearing shoes that are not supportive or fit improperly can also cause the development of heel spurs. Heel spur symptoms can include pain, swelling, or inflammation in the heel area, and may spread to the arch of your foot. Heel spur formation can also be triggered by diseases such as arthritis. If your heel pain is not relieved after at-home treatment (rest, stretching, cold compresses), a podiatrist will be able to offer other options for treatment, including orthotic shoe inserts or anti-inflammatory medication or injections. In severe cases that don't respond to conservative measures, surgery may be an option to remove the heel spur.