It depends. Some patients prolong their healing times by trying to “tough it out” or “walk through the pain,” which can make an already painful condition completely debilitating.
Heel spurs are directly linked to plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the ligament running along the bottom of the foot. Many people have bone spurs that cause no pain at all; others may begin to show symptoms when plantar fasciitis puts pressure on the spur and causes sudden pain in their heel.
Because heel spurs are exacerbated by soft-tissue problems in the feet, the most effective treatment is rest. People with fast-paced jobs or those who spend a lot of time on their feet might be unwilling to spend time off their feet. But refusing to take adequate time for the spur to heal can turn a relatively mild problem into a recurring or long-term condition.
People with heel spurs are likely to experience ups and downs during their recovery time. Often they will think the condition is improving, so they will stop resting and cease treatment, which can cause the pain to return at full force. The best course of action is to be extremely gentle when walking or standing until the pain is completely gone; at that point, activity can be gradually and carefully increased.
Healing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the spur and how diligently it is treated. Patients who are overweight or those who put off seeing a doctor for a diagnosis are more likely to suffer for a longer period and are also more likely to have the pain come back.
If you’ve been trying to treat heel spurs at home for a while, the podiatrists at Healthmark Foot and Ankle Associates can help you find a more effective solution. Call us today at 610-565-3668 in Media or 610-933-8644 in Phoenixville to set up a consultation.