Items filtered by date: February 2019

Monday, 04 February 2019 00:00

What Is a Heel Spur?

If you are suffering from a sharp pain stemming from your heel, then you may have a heel spur. A heel spur is a calcium deposit that causes a hard protrusion underneath your heel bone. Oftentimes, they are linked to plantar fasciitis, which causes inflammation along the connective tissue between the heel bone and the ball of the foot. In an attempt to protect the heel’s surrounding tissues, cells migrate to the area and start depositing calcium. This build-up of calcium usually takes many months to fully form and is only visible by an X-ray. The heel spur only becomes painful, when it spreads into the surrounding tissues. For the most part, heel spurs do not exhibit any symptoms and do not cause any pain. This is due to the fact that the deposits of calcium are put there by the body’s bone-forming mechanisms, so they are smooth and flat. If you think you may have a heel spur or would like any additional information about them, then it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

How to Treat Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that cause bone protrusions on the heel bone. Heel spurs are usually associated with plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the plantar fasciitis in the foot becomes inflamed. Typically, heel spurs don’t cause any symptoms. However, they can produce chronic or intermittent heel pain. Those who have had the condition often describe the irritation as a stabbing pain.

There are risk factors that may make you more likely to develop heel spurs. People who have abnormal walking gaits, run and jog on hard surfaces, are obese, or wear poorly fitting shoes are more likely to develop heel spurs.

Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to avoid developing heel spurs. One of the best ways to do this is by wearing well-fitting shoes with shock-absorbent soles. Another preventative technique is to choose running shoes if you plan on running, and walking shoes if you plan on walking. Shoes are made for different activities and it is important to research a shoe before you purchase a pair.

The pain associated with heel spurs often decreases the more you walk. However, a recurrence of pain after an extended period of rest or walking is likely to occur with this condition. Those with severe heel spur pain may opt to go the surgical route for treatment. However, more than 90% of those with the condition get better without surgical treatment. If you have a heel spur and want to know if surgery is right for you, you should go to your podiatrist and he or she will be able to conduct a pre-surgical test or exam to determine if you are an optimal candidate for surgery.

Blog

Items filtered by date: February 2019

What Is a Heel Spur?

How to Treat Heel Spurs

Blog Archives

Connect With Us