The Orthofeet Blog

That sharp, stabbing feeling the moment your foot hits the ground is hard to ignore. Whether you notice it on your first steps out of bed or feel it build throughout the day, heel pain while walking is one of the most common foot complaints podiatrists hear. The good news is that understanding the cause is the first step toward real relief.   What Causes Heel Pain When Walking? Walking puts a significant amount of force through your heel with every step. In fact, the heel absorbs the majority of your body weight during normal gait [1]. When something is irritated or damaged in that area, even routine daily activities like walking to the kitchen or pacing around the office can become genuinely painful. Several conditions are known to cause heel pain when walking, and knowing which one you are dealing with makes it easier to treat. Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, affecting roughly 2 million people in the United States each year [2]. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. When this band becomes inflamed from overuse, poor footwear, or repetitive strain, it causes the characteristic sharp pain in the bottom of the heel. This is especially common in people with fallen arches and plantar fasciitis, as reduced arch support places additional stress on the plantar fascia. The telltale sign of plantar fasciitis is sharp heel pain that is most intense during the first few steps in the morning. As the plantar fascia tightens overnight, putting weight on it suddenly stretches the inflamed tissue. The discomfort often eases after a few minutes of walking, only to return after long periods of standing or physical activity. Heel Spurs Heel spurs are bony calcium deposits that form on the underside of the heel bone over time. They typically develop as a response to long-term strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot, which is why they are frequently seen alongside plantar fasciitis [3]. The two conditions share many of the same triggers: excess body weight, flat feet, and spending long hours on hard surfaces. It is worth noting that heel spurs themselves do not always cause pain. The discomfort more often comes from the surrounding inflamed tissue rather than the spur itself. Achilles Tendinitis While plantar fasciitis causes pain at the bottom of the heel, Achilles tendinitis causes soreness at the back of the heel and up into the lower leg. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, and when that tendon becomes irritated, walking can feel stiff and painful, especially when pushing off the ground. Tight calf muscles are a major contributor to Achilles tendinitis. When calf flexibility is limited, the tendon takes on more stress during every step, making it prone to inflammation and small tears over time. Fat Pad Atrophy The heel naturally has a thick cushion of fatty tissue that absorbs impact when you walk. With age, that fat pad gradually thins out, a process known as fat pad atrophy [4]. Once this natural cushioning is reduced, walking on hard surfaces can feel like stepping directly on bone. This condition is particularly common in older adults and is one reason that sore heels when walking often become more of an issue as people get older. Footwear with adequate cushioning becomes essential once the foot's natural shock absorption starts to diminish.   Why Heel Pain Feels Worse After Exercise One of the most frustrating things about heel pain is the overuse cycle it creates, which helps explain what causes plantar fasciitis to flare throughout the day. Each step adds to the existing inflammation, and by the end of the day, the accumulated stress can leave the heel throbbing even after you sit down to rest. The tissue never fully recovers before it is loaded again. Wearing unsupportive shoes makes this cycle significantly worse. Flat sandals, worn-out sneakers, or any shoe without proper arch support forces the plantar fascia to stretch further with each impact. The result is that pain in the heel of your foot when you walk builds steadily throughout the day instead of staying manageable. By the time you take your shoes off, the heel can feel bruised and swollen.   Symptoms That Indicate Plantar Fasciitis Since plantar fasciitis is the most common culprit behind heel pain when walking, it helps to know the specific warning signs. Use this checklist to assess whether your symptoms fit the pattern: Sharp morning pain that fades to an ache. Pain is usually most intense with the first steps after waking up or after sitting for a long stretch, then gradually eases as the tissue warms up. Pain that flares after, not during, exercise. Many people notice their heel hurts after walking or a workout session rather than at its peak. Tenderness on the bottom of the heel. Pressing firmly on the underside of the heel bone reproduces the pain. Discomfort when climbing stairs or standing on tiptoes. Both movements pull on the plantar fascia and can cause a noticeable increase in pain. If several of these apply to you, plantar fasciitis is a strong possibility. Visiting a podiatrist or foot and ankle specialist can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes like stress fractures or bursitis.   Remedies to Relieve Heel Pain When Walking Active foot care  almost always produces faster results than passive recovery. While many people wonder if plantar fasciitis goes away on its own, simply waiting for heel pain to go away can allow the underlying inflammation to become chronic. Pairing targeted exercises with the right supportive tools gives your foot the best chance to prevent heel pain. A few starting points for managing heel pain at home: Calf and plantar fascia stretches. Stretch your calves against a wall for 30 seconds on each side, and roll your foot over a frozen water bottle for a few minutes to combine stretching with icing. Doing this before getting out of bed in the morning can help ease that first-step pain. Ice after activity. Applying an ice pack to the heel for 15 to 20 minutes after a long day reduces acute inflammation and can prevent pain from settling in overnight. Maintain a healthy weight. Every extra pound of body weight increases the load on the plantar fascia, so even modest weight management can meaningfully reduce heel strain [5]. Consider a night splint. Wearing a night splint keeps the plantar fascia gently stretched while you sleep, which reduces the morning stiffness that makes those first steps so painful. If conservative treatments do not improve your symptoms within a few weeks, it is worth speaking with a podiatrist. More persistent experiences may benefit from physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or custom orthotics. Wearing Proper Walking Shoes Footwear is one of the most controllable factors in heel pain, and upgrading your shoes can make your foot pain-free relatively quickly. For a shoe to genuinely support a painful heel, it needs more than just a thick outsole. Here is what to look for: Anatomical arch support. Built-in orthotics that follow the natural contours of the foot help distribute weight more evenly, taking pressure off the plantar fascia. Orthofeet's footwear features premium orthotic insoles that realign the foot from the ground up, reducing the stretch and strain on the fascia that drives heel inflammation. Cushioning heel pad. A multi-layered sole absorbs the shock of each footfall before it reaches the heel bone. This is especially important for people with fat pad atrophy, whose natural cushioning can no longer do that job on its own. Orthofeet's anatomical cushioning system is designed to protect the heel through thousands of steps. Ergonomic sole design. A gentle rocker-bottom sole guides the foot through its natural walking motion, reducing the effort needed to push off at the toe. This lowers the overall tension in the plantar fascia with every stride, making walking less painful over the course of the day. Multiple width options. Shoes that are too narrow create additional pressure along the sides of the foot, which can shift your gait and worsen heel mechanics. Orthofeet offers a wide range of widths, including extra-wide options, so the foot sits naturally inside the shoe without pinching or compensating. Choosing the right footwear is one of the most impactful things you can do to manage sore heels when walking. Browse plantar fasciitis shoes, or explore options by gender with plantar fasciitis shoes for women and plantar fasciitis shoes for men. If you prefer open footwear or slip-on comfort, plantar fasciitis sandals and plantar fasciitis slippers are also available. For added support inside any shoe, insoles for plantar fasciitis can be a practical complement to a supportive footwear choice. [product-group-tile] Sources [1] American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs." OrthoInfo.https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/plantar-fasciitis-and-bone-spurs/ [2] American Physical Therapy Association. "Plantar Fasciitis." MoveForwardPT.https://www.moveforwardpt.com/symptomsconditionsdetail/plantar-fasciitis [3] Mayo Clinic. "Heel Spurs." Mayo Clinic.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heel-spurs/symptoms-causes/syc-20355690 [4] Bowling FL, Metcalfe SA, Wu S, Boulton AJ, Armstrong DG. "Foot ulcer risk classification systems: A critical review." Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews. For fat pad atrophy, see also: Waldecker U. "Plantar fat pad atrophy: a cause of metatarsalgia?" Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11951570/ [5] Riddle DL, Pulisic M, Pidcoe P, Johnson RE. "Risk factors for plantar fasciitis: a matched case-control study." Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12954824/

Heel pain can interfere with your daily activities and be quite uncomfortable. Two common causes of this discomfort are plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Although they often coexist, they are distinct conditions. Here’s a closer look at plantar fasciitis vs. heel spurs. Introduction to plantar fasciitis and heel spurs Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, supporting the arch and connecting your heel to your toes.  On the other hand, heel spurs are calcium deposits that form bony protrusions on the underside of the heel bone. These spurs can sometimes be seen on X-rays, though they may not always cause pain themselves [1]. Understanding the differences between plantar fasciitis vs. heel spurs is crucial for effective treatment and pain relief. And while heel spurs and plantar fasciitis usually occur together, they require different approaches for management and recovery [1]. Both conditions can significantly impact daily life, causing foot pain and discomfort that limit mobility and participation in physical activities. The pain is often described as a sharp, stabbing sensation, especially in the morning or after long periods of inactivity, which can evolve into a dull ache with continued movement [1][2].  Managing these conditions typically involves a combination of rest, stretching exercises and physical therapy, proper footwear, weight management, and, in some cases, medical interventions to alleviate pain and promote healing. So, when you look at plantar fasciitis vs. heel spurs, you can find many similarities, but there are also differences. What is plantar fasciitis? We've already established that plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of soft tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This foot condition, typically caused by overuse or strain, leads to sharp pain, especially noticeable in the mornings.  What are heel spurs? Heel spurs, as mentioned earlier, are bony protrusions caused by calcium deposits building up on the underside of the heel bone over several months. They are often associated with plantar fasciitis, but don't directly cause foot pain in all cases. When they do cause pain, it's often linked to the inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis [1]. Symptoms and causes: heel spur versus plantar fasciitis Symptoms and causes of plantar fasciitis The soft tissue called the plantar fascia absorbs high stresses during activities like walking, running, and sports. Excessive pressure can damage or tear the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and heel pain [1]. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:  New or increased physical activity Shoes that don’t fit well and lack support and cushioning Repetitive high-impact activities such as running or dancing Prolonged standing on hard surfaces Anatomical issues like flat feet or high arches Tight calf muscles Obesity Age (most common in people aged 40 to 60) [2] Symptoms typically include pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel, which is most severe with the first few steps after getting out of bed or after a long period of rest. Plantar Fasciitis pain often decreases after a few minutes of walking but may return after prolonged activity [1].  Symptoms and causes of heel spurs Heel spurs typically result from strains on foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Athletes who run and jump frequently are particularly susceptible to heel spurs [2]. Risk factors for heel spurs include:  Abnormal walking gait Running or jogging on hard surfaces Poorly fitted shoes lacking proper arch support Excess weight and obesity.  Additional factors associated with plantar fasciitis, such as increasing age, diabetes, prolonged standing, and having flat feet or high arches, also contribute to the development of heel spurs [2]. Heel spur versus plantar fasciitis: diagnosis and treatment options Doctors diagnose plantar fasciitis and heel spurs primarily through a combination of medical history review and physical examination.  During the examination, doctors look for specific signs such as a high arch or flat foot, areas of maximum tenderness on the bottom of the foot just in front of the heel bone, and limited dorsiflexion in the ankle [2]. To diagnose plantar fasciitis, doctors perform a physical examination that often includes direct pressing (palpation) of the inner part of the heel bone, known as the medial calcaneal tubercle, which usually causes severe pain if the foot condition is present. This pain is generally localized at the origin of the central band of the plantar fascia, without significant pain on compression of the heel bone from side to side [3]. Additionally, doctors ensure that symptoms are not due to other conditions such as Achilles tendinitis, calcaneal stress fractures, or plantar nerve entrapment [2]. Imaging tests can also be used in the diagnosis. X-rays are commonly used to rule out other causes of heel pain, such as fractures or arthritis, and they can also reveal heel spurs, which may develop due to prolonged tension on the insertion of the plantar fascia [2]. However, since heel spurs do not directly cause plantar fasciitis pain, removing them is usually unnecessary for treating plantar fasciitis. In rare cases, if initial treatments fail or if there is concern about other potential issues, an MRI may be ordered [2]. Non-surgical treatments Rest and ice Resting the affected foot and applying ice can help reduce inflammation and pain [2]. Anti-Inflammatory medications Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can alleviate pain and inflammation [2]. Physical Therapy  Performing calf muscle and plantar fasciitis exercises is critical. Physical therapists may also use techniques like ultrasound therapy to promote healing [2]. Orthotics and supportive shoes Custom orthotic devices and shoes with  specialized insoles for plantar fasciitis and extra cushioning provide additional arch support and cushioning, helping to distribute pressure more evenly across the foot [2].  Night splints A night splint stretches the plantar fascia while you sleep, reducing heel pain. Though initially uncomfortable, night splints are highly effective for treating plantar fasciitis [2].  As you go through the recovery process, be sure to look out for key signs plantar fasciitis is healing to make sure your recovery process is working as intended.     Surgical treatment options For severe cases that do not respond to non-surgical treatments, surgery may be considered. Surgical options include: Plantar fascia release  This procedure involves cutting a part of the plantar fascia ligament to relieve tension and inflammation [2]. Heel spur removal  Although heel spurs are not the direct cause of plantar fasciitis, in some cases, they may be removed during surgery if they contribute to the patient's discomfort [2]. Prevention strategies Proper footwear Arch support Choose shoes with built-in arch support to prevent over-pulling on the heel bone insertion, reduce arch drop, and minimize tension on the plantar fascia. Shoes with support for the inner arch (medial longitudinal arch) and metatarsal pads can be particularly effective for both prevention and treatment of plantar fasciitis [1]. Cushioning Ensure your shoes have excellent cushioning to absorb impact and distribute pressure evenly across the foot. Materials like memory foam conform to your foot’s contours and reduce strain on the plantar fascia, which is crucial for preventing both plantar fasciitis and heel spurs [4]. Proper fit Wear shoes that fit correctly, avoiding those that are too short or too tight, as improper fit can negatively impact the big toe joint function and damage the plantar fascia. Shoes with extra depth and width for toe movement and flexible upper materials are ideal [4].  Consider our specially designed options to ensure you're choosing the best footwear for plantar fasciitis prevention and treatment. Our collection of plantar fasciitis footwear includes shoes for every occasion, whether it’s ladies’ boots for plantar fasciitis or men’s plantar fasciitis sandals. Our plantar fasciitis shoes for women and plantar fasciitis shoes for men offer the essential arch support and cushioning needed to protect your feet. These shoes are not only effective in managing symptoms but also stylish, blending functionality with modern design. Stretching and warm-up techniques Regular stretching and warm-up exercises are essential in preventing plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Plantar fascia-specific stretching significantly reduces or eliminates heel pain and is beneficial for treating chronic heel pain.  Warm-up exercises help to prepare your muscles and fascia for activity, reducing the risk of injury [1][4].  Physical activity Avoid sudden spikes in physical activity to prevent overloading the plantar fascia. Start with low-impact exercises and gradually increase the intensity and duration by no more than 10% per week. Consistent warm-up routines and specific stretches for the feet and calves can improve flexibility and support.  Listening to your body and incorporating rest periods between high-impact activities are also crucial for preventing overuse injuries [2]. Healthy body weight Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the arches and ensures proper foot mechanics. Extra weight puts more pressure on the feet, leading to inflammation and pain in the plantar fascia. By keeping your weight in check, you minimize the strain on your feet, helping to prevent plantar fasciitis    Conclusion: Taking Steps Towards Better Foot Health Overall, understanding the distinctions between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs is crucial for effectively managing heel pain. By staying informed and proactive about foot health, you can take significant strides toward maintaining comfort and mobility. Enhance your care by getting plantar fasciitis shoes at Orthofeet, designed to provide targeted support and relief. References  Rick Ansorge. Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis. WebMD. August 28, 2022. Accessed June 19, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/heel-spurs-pain-causes-symptoms-treatments   American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs. OrthoInfo website. Last reviewed in August 2022. Accessed June 19, 2024. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/plantar-fasciitis-and-bone-spurs/   Stephen L. Barrett, DPM., Robert O'malley, DPM. Plantar Fasciitis and Other Causes of Heel Pain. American Family Physician. April 15, 1999. Accessed June 19, 2024. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/1999/0415/p2200.html   Umar Haddaya, Idrees Wajeeha, Umar Wardah, Khalil Anish, Rizvi Zuhair A. Impact of Routine Footwear on Foot Health: A Study on Plantar Fasciitis. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. July 2022. Accessed June 18, 2024. https://journals.lww.com/jfmpc/fulltext/2022/07000/impact_of_routine_footwear_on_foot_health__a_study.74.aspx.     

Many people confuse bunions and bone spurs as the same issue, but they are distinct conditions.  This blog will explain what bunions and bone spurs are, how they differ, the general causes, the effects on the foot and person, and how to deal with them for comfort, treatment, and long-term care. At a Glance Feature Bunion (Hallux Valgus) Bone Spur (Osteophyte) What is it? A bump at the big toe joint, caused by the first metatarsal bone shifting out of place. An abnormal growth of extra bone that forms from existing bone tissue. Common Location? The base of the big toe. Most commonly on the heel (bottom or back) or along the top of the midfoot. Primary Cause? Biomechanics, genetics, ill-fitting shoes, and pregnancy-related changes. Repetitive stress, tension from tendons or ligaments, and arthritis. What is a bunion (Hallux Valgus)? To understand bunions, it's important to describe the bony anatomy of the foot.   There are five long bones just before the toes, called metatarsals. The first metatarsal bone connects the midfoot to the big toe. It is the strongest and thickest of the five metatarsals, as it bears more weight and force during gait. It is at this juncture that bunions are born.  A bunion is a bony bump on the inside (medial side) of the big toe joint - the connection between the first metatarsal and the big toe. The medical term is hallux abducto valgus, which means the big toe is bent toward the second toe and twisted, with the associated bump on the side of the big toe joint. A similar, less common bump on the outside of the little toe joint is known as a Tailor's bunion or bunionette. The bump is actually not an extra bone, but in fact the head of the first metatarsal sticking out. With a bunion, or hallux abducto valgus deformity, what occurs over time is that the first metatarsal slides out away from the second metatarsal. This protrusion from the foot gives the appearance of a bump of new or enlarged bone. To add to the bump, there may also be a bursal (fluid filled sac) over the bump, accompanied by soft tissue swelling and inflammation. For those dealing with this condition, finding the right footwear is crucial. Shoes for men with bunions and women’s bunion shoes are specifically designed to accommodate the altered foot shape, providing relief and improving comfort. What is a bone spur (Osteophyte)?   A bone spur is actually a new pathological bone that grows from normal bone tissue.  Wolff's law describes how bone adapts to increased loads by growing larger and stronger, and some bone spurs may develop as a direct result of this process.  Examples of this phenomenon in the foot include bone spurs on the bottom and back of the heel bone (calcaneus). On the bottom of the heel, the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. It is theorized that the increased pull of the plantar fascia on the attachment to the heel bone causes a spur to develop. Similarly, on the back of the heel, the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone, and again, increased tension on the tendon is theorized to contribute to bone spur formation.  Another cause of bone spur formation is arthritis. Arthritis can result in osteophytes or spurs wherever there are joints. In the foot, a common area affected is the top of the midfoot, where patients often present with painful bumps.  Typical symptoms of spurs include localized stiffness around a joint, tenderness to touch, and pain when shoes press on the area. Causes: why do they happen? What causes bunions? Bunions can develop due to a myriad of reasons, including biomechanical abnormalities in the foot that result in abnormal motion and increased pronation. This causes increased forces on the first metatarsal, leading to a gradual shift in its position over time. Other contributing factors include loose ligaments, genetics, and wearing ill-fitting shoes that squeeze the forefoot or elevate the heel. Particularly during pregnancy, choosing the right shoes is crucial. Shoes for pregnant women should provide ample support and room to accommodate changes in foot size and shape, reducing the risk of bunions and other foot-related issues. What causes bone spurs? Bone spurs can also occur for many reasons. Spurs on the back of the heel often arise due to arthritis and increased pronation. Overpronation causes the calf muscles, which attach to the Achilles tendon, to overwork in an attempt to compensate. This constant extreme pull can stimulate the growth of extra bone.  Plantar heel spurs can also result from overpronation, as the plantar fascia, a ligament that stabilizes the foot, is stretched when the foot elongates during pronation. This stretching exerts tension on the attachment at the heel, potentially leading to spur formation. Generally, any stress on the heel, such as being overweight or arthritis, can contribute to the development of a heel spur. Understanding the differences between overpronation and underpronation is crucial, as each condition stresses the foot differently and requires specific approaches to management. Generally, any stress on the heel, such as being overweight or having arthritis, can contribute to the development of a heel spur. Spurs on the top of the foot often result from the foot's shape. Higher arches are particularly prone to these spurs because ground force can push back against the forefoot, causing jamming in the midfoot joints. This stress on the joints can lead to the formation of spurs. Again, arthritis can also contribute to their development.  How do I know if I have a bone spur or a bunion? Bunions can lead to issues with shoe fitting as the, making it increasingly difficult to find comfortable shoes. For those dealing with this issue, learning how to make shoes wider for bunions can be a valuable skill. Many shoes can rub against the bunion, causing foot pain, irritation, or inflammation. In addition, the displacement of the big toe often results in it pressing against the second toe, causing it to deform. Bone spurs often result in pain. In my practice, I have found that spurs on the back of the heel are the most difficult to deal with. Even lying down with the heel flat on the bed can cause pain with these spurs. Plantar (bottom of the heel) spurs can cause foot pain during running and walking, and they are often associated with plantar fasciitis. Spurs on the top of the foot can be painful when pressure is applied, such as when the shoe vamp, tongue, or laces rub against the area, making it difficult to wear closed shoes. Common bunion look-alikes While a bump near the big toe is frequently a bunion, other conditions can present with similar lumps. Differentiating them is key, as their treatment protocols differ. Gout: This is a form of inflammatory arthritis resulting from uric acid crystal deposits in the joint. Unlike a bunion’s gradual development, a gout attack is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of intense pain, severe redness, heat, and swelling. Ganglion Cyst: This is a benign, fluid-filled sac that forms near joints or tendons. Upon palpation, a ganglion cyst typically feels softer, more mobile, and rounder than the firm, bony prominence of a bunion or spur. When to see a doctor Self-assessment based on symptoms can be unreliable. For an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan, a consultation with a podiatrist is necessary. The most effective tool to definitively distinguish a bunion from a bone spur is an X-ray. This imaging allows a specialist to visualize the underlying bone structure. An X-ray will clearly show if the bump is a joint misalignment (the first metatarsal deviating outward), which confirms a hallux abducto valgus, or bunion. Conversely, the image will reveal any new pathological bone growth (an osteophyte) protruding from the surface of a bone or joint, which confirms a bone spur. This definitive imaging is crucial to rule out other potential issues, such as small fractures or advanced arthritis, and to determine the correct course of care. Prevention and care  When it comes to both bunion prevention and treatment options, wider and deeper shoes are a good starting point. In addition, the toe box should be round and not pointed. Shoes that are only wider shoes with a non-round toe box may not be enough to accommodate the bump. Shoes should also have a low or flat heel, as elevating the heel places stress on the big toe joint, which can make the bunion worse. Avoiding friction and discomfort is important to alleviate pain caused by this condition. For added comfort, Orthofeet's bunion socks use a unique, seamless design to reduce pressure on the big toe joint while being thin enough to fit comfortably in most footwear. For heel spurs, every part of the shoes should be stable to control motion and pronation. Quality inserts are also important for pronation control. Deep extra depth shoes help with Achilles spurs, as they reduce rubbing on the back of the shoe and can accommodate orthotics. Extra depth shoes are also helpful for top of the foot spurs, as they reduce the chances of the spur rubbing against the shoe.   Orthofeet’s footwear solutions  In many common foot problems, starting with well-made, appropriate shoes is always recommended. Orthofeet offers a wide selection of comfortable and well-made shoes, making them an excellent starting point for addressing various foot problems or simply for enhancing comfort. Orthofeet designs its footwear for these exact problems, offering bunion shoes and heel spur shoes that come in wide to double-wide widths to comfortably accommodate the foot's shape. In addition, most Orthofeet shoes have round toe boxes, which are critical when you have bunions. The brand also designs many shoes with stretchable materials to further provide relief from bunion pain, as they adjust to the unique contours of each foot, including protrusions. For individuals dealing with spurs at the top of the foot, Orthofeet shoes offer an extra-deep design to accommodate this condition. These shoes are constructed with high-quality inserts that help with pronation and motion control, and they are removable to accommodate orthotics, if needed.