When Is a Cortisone Injection Recommended for a Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a bony projection, but it may not be the structure causing pain. The clinician may assess the plantar fascia, heel fat pad, Achilles tendon, nerves, and nearby joints before choosing an injection. Cortisone can calm inflammation in a selected area; it does not remove the spur or correct the forces that irritate the heel. The proposed site and expected benefit therefore depend on the examination.

Bring details about your first steps in the morning, walking pattern, work demands, footwear, and previous treatments. Supportive shoes, a gradual activity plan, calf and foot exercises, and physiotherapy may address loading around the heel. Follow instructions about rest after an injection and avoid suddenly returning to impact exercise. Mention diabetes, blood-thinning medicine, skin problems, or a previous reaction before treatment.

Seek prompt care for inability to bear weight, a sudden pop, marked swelling, spreading redness, fever, new weakness or numbness, or heel pain after significant injury. These signs can indicate a problem that needs assessment rather than an injection. After treatment, report increasing warmth, drainage, or rapidly worsening pain.

Ask what structure is causing the pain, whether the spur is incidental, which non-injection options remain, where the medicine would be placed, and what activities should be limited afterward.