A bone spur may not necessarily require surgery, even if it is painful. You might be able to stop a bone spur growth from continuing if you discover it early. The spur’s development can be slowed or stopped by removing or minimizing the tension that is causing it to form. This may be accomplished by switching out your shoes or utilizing a custom orthotic.
If the spur is already painful, cushioning or supporting it with pads might help alleviate the pain. A gel heel cushion is used to treat a painful heel spur. A bone spur on the top of the foot can be offloaded by switching up the lacing pattern or using a cushion to relieve pressure on the spur. Toe separators pads are commonly used to treat bone spurs between the toes.
These conservative methods might help you manage the pain caused by a bone spur. If the discomfort persists, however, surgery to remove the bone spur may be the best option.
