Heel Spur

Heel spurs — calcium deposits on the underside of the heel bone — cause debilitating heel pain that limits walking and activity. Shockwave therapy at Pura Vida is highly effective at breaking down these calcifications and restoring painless movement.

What Is Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a calcium deposit that forms at the site of chronic fascial tension on the calcaneus (heel bone) — most commonly at the plantar fascia insertion or, less often, at the Achilles tendon insertion. Heel spurs develop over months and years in response to the same biomechanical overload that causes plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. The spur itself is often not painful — the inflammation of the surrounding soft tissue is the true source of pain. Shockwave therapy, which was originally developed to break down kidney stones, is now recognized as one of the most effective treatments for calcific heel pathology.

Common Symptoms

Sharp, stabbing heel pain with weight-bearing — especially with first steps
Pain at the bottom of the heel (plantar spur) or back of the heel (insertional Achilles)
Palpable bony prominence in severe cases
Pain confirmed by X-ray showing calcaneal spur formation
Heel pain that has persisted for months or years
Limited ability to walk, exercise, or stand for prolonged periods

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Chronic plantar fascia tension at the calcaneal insertion
Insertional Achilles tendinopathy at the posterior calcaneus
Overpronation and pelvic imbalance creating chronic heel overload
Calcium deposit formation as a response to chronic microtrauma
Obesity increasing calcaneal compressive loading

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Heel Spur

Dr. Foss combines the biomechanical correction of plantar fasciitis (pelvic leveling, calcaneal adjustment, calf release) with targeted shockwave therapy at the heel spur site. Shockwave energy disrupts the calcific deposit, stimulates localized blood flow, and activates the body's healing response to remove the calcium and resolve the surrounding inflammation. Class IV laser therapy further reduces pain and promotes tissue repair. Most heel spur patients experience significant pain reduction within 3–6 shockwave sessions.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

Shockwave Therapy

High-energy acoustic waves penetrate deep into tissue to break up calcifications, stimulate collagen production, and accelerate the body's natural repair process — all without surgery or downtime.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Heel Spur?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

Book Your Appointment