What to Expect from a Cortisone Injection for Heel Spur

A heel spur is a bony growth, but the pain around it may come from irritated soft tissues such as the plantar fascia. Corticosteroid medicine is placed near the painful area to reduce inflammation. The injection does not dissolve the spur or remove the mechanical forces that irritate the foot. Your clinician may use examination or imaging to choose the target and may discuss footwear, stretching, activity changes, or physiotherapy alongside the injection.

Tell the clinician about diabetes, blood-thinning medicine, allergies, skin problems, or earlier injection reactions. Wear shoes that are easy to remove and arrange a calmer day if walking is difficult afterward. Keep impact activity and long walks limited while the heel is tender. Use the recommended footwear, heel support, stretches, or exercises rather than returning suddenly to running. Note whether first-step pain, standing tolerance, and walking comfort change over time; this helps guide the next treatment decision.

Ask for prompt medical advice if heel pain rapidly worsens, the skin becomes hot and very swollen, or fever or feeling unwell develops. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or widespread hives. New weakness, spreading numbness, inability to bear weight, or a foot that becomes unusually pale or cold needs prompt assessment. Mild local tenderness can follow an injection, but symptoms that keep escalating need review.

Where exactly is the painful structure, and what will the injection target? How long should I modify walking or sport? Which stretches or supports should I use? What will we try if relief is limited or pain returns?