Learn about the treatments available for heel spurs and find relief for this common foot condition.

Heel spurs are abnormal bone growths that develop on the heel bone (calcaneus). They are often associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Heel spurs can cause severe pain and discomfort, especially when walking or standing.

When treating heel spurs, the main goal is to relieve pain and inflammation while treating the underlying condition. There are several treatment options available, both non-invasive and surgical, depending on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s individual circumstances. It is important to note that prompt treatment and proper care can help relieve discomfort and prevent the condition from worsening.

Non-invasive treatment options:

• Rest and Ice: Resting the affected foot and applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Stretching exercises: Performing specific stretching exercises targeting the calf muscles and plantar fascia can help relieve tension and improve foot flexibility.
• Orthotic Insoles: Wearing custom orthotic inserts or insoles can provide cushioning and support for the arch of the foot, reducing pressure on the heel.

Understanding Heel Spurs: Causes and Symptoms

Causes of heel spurs:

1. Repetitive stress: Activities that involve repetitive impact on the feet, such as running or jumping, can put excessive pressure on the heel bone, leading to the development of bone spurs over time.
2. Poor foot mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal gait patterns can alter the distribution of weight in the foot, causing stress on the heel bone and possible spur formation.
3. Aging: As we age, the natural cushioning in our feet begins to decrease, increasing the risk of heel spurs.
4. Obesity: Excess weight can put added pressure on the feet, increasing the likelihood of developing heel spurs.

Symptoms of heel spurs:

• Sharp pain in the bottom of the heel, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.
• Pain that intensifies with activity or when standing for a long time.
• Sensitivity and inflammation in the affected area.
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the foot.
• Stiffness or pain in the heel or arch of the foot.

It is important to note that not everyone with a heel spur experiences symptoms. However, if you experience persistent heel pain or any of the symptoms mentioned, it is advisable to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Understanding the causes and symptoms of heel spurs is the first step to finding relief and regaining mobility.

Conservative Treatment Options for Heel Spurs

Fortunately, in many cases, heel spurs can be treated effectively with conservative treatment options. These non-invasive approaches aim to reduce pain, promote healing, and improve overall foot function. Here are some commonly recommended conservative treatment options for heel spurs:

1. Rest and Activity Modification

Rest is crucial in the initial phases of treatment to allow inflamed tissues to heal. Activities that worsen pain should be avoided or modified to reduce stress on the heel bone. This may include temporarily modifying exercise routines or avoiding activities that involve repetitive impact on the foot. Alternating rest with low-impact activities, such as swimming or cycling, can help maintain physical fitness while minimizing heel pain.

2. Footwear Modifications

Wearing appropriate footwear is essential to alleviate the symptoms associated with heel spurs. Shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help reduce pressure on the heel bone and promote proper foot alignment. Additionally, avoiding high-heeled shoes, narrow toe boxes, and worn-out footwear may prevent exacerbation of symptoms. Custom orthotics, such as heel cups or insoles, can also provide additional support and promote proper weight distribution.

3. Physical Therapy and Stretching

Physical therapy can play an important role in treating heel spurs by improving flexibility, strength, and range of motion. A healthcare professional can prescribe specific exercises and stretches that target the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles. The goal of these exercises is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve foot and ankle stability. Regular participation in physical therapy sessions and consistent compliance with prescribed exercises at home are crucial for optimal results.

Important: It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before beginning any exercise or stretching regimen to ensure safety and appropriateness to individual circumstances.

1. Rest and modification of activity
2. Footwear modifications
3. Physiotherapy and stretching

Physical therapy: a key component of heel spur treatment

1. Specific exercises: Physiotherapy usually involves a tailored exercise program aimed at stretching and strengthening the affected area. These exercises help improve flexibility, decrease pain, and improve overall function of the foot and ankle.

• Calf stretches: Stretching the calf muscles can help reduce tension and relieve pressure on the heel spur. A physical therapist can show you various calf stretches, such as wall stretches or heel drops.
• Plantar fascia stretches: Stretching the plantar fascia – the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes – can help reduce the inflammation and pain associated with heel spurs. Techniques such as towel stretches or rolling a golf ball under your foot may be recommended.
• Arch strengthening exercises: Strengthening the arch muscles of the foot can provide support and stability, promoting proper weight distribution and reducing stress on the heel. This may involve exercises such as toe curls or picking up marbles with your toes.

Important information: Physical therapy exercises for heel spurs are usually tailored to each person’s specific needs and should be performed under the guidance and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. It is important to consistently follow the prescribed exercise program and report any discomfort or worsening of symptoms to your healthcare professional.

2. Manual therapy techniques: In addition to exercises, manual therapy techniques performed by a physical therapist can help relieve pain and restore mobility to the foot and ankle. These techniques may include:

1. Soft tissue mobilization: By gently manipulating the soft tissues of the foot, such as muscles and tendons, a physical therapist can help reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and promote healing.
2. Joint Mobilization: Targeted movements and mobilization techniques can relieve stiffness and improve joint mechanics, leading to improved range of motion and decreased pain.
3. Electrotherapy: Modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation can be used to relieve pain and promote healing of the tissues in the affected area.

Surgical Intervention for Severe Heel Spurs

When is surgical intervention recommended?

In cases where no n-surgical methods such as rest, physiotherapy and orthopedic devices have not effectively approached symptoms, surgical intervention can be recommended. Normally it is reserved for patients with persistent pain and limited mobility due to severe calcareous spur. In addition, those who have developed complications such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis as a result of the calcaneus spur can also be candidates for surgery.

Surgical techniques for the elimination of calcaneus spur

There are several surgical techniques for the removal of calcareous spur, each with their own advantages and considerations. These procedures are normally performed under general anesthesia and may imply different incision approaches, depending on the preferences of the surgeon and the patient’s state. These are some of the most used surgical techniques:

1. Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy: This minimally invasive procedure implies the use of a small camera called endoscope to guide the surgeon in the release of the tense plantar fascia and the elimination of the calcaneal spur. It offers the advantage that the incisions are smaller and the recovery time is lower.
2. Open surgery: in cases of severe calcareous spur, it may be necessary to resort to open surgery. This implies the use of larger incisions to directly access and eliminate the spur. It allows a better visualization and the opportunity to address any associated tissue damage.
3. Shock wave therapy: This no n-invasive technique uses sound waves to break the calcium deposits that form the calcaneus spur. Although it is not a surgical procedure itself, it can be used as an alternative to more invasive methods in some cases.

Pos t-surgical recovery

After the surgical intervention of serious calcareous spur, patients usually need a period of rest and rehabilitation. This may include immobilization with a plaster or splint, physiotherapy exercises and the use of support footwear or orthopedic devices. The recovery time may vary depending on the scope of the surgical intervention and individual healing rates, but most patients experience a significant improvement in a few months.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Heel Spur Relief

1. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is a no n-invasive approach whose objective is to improve flexibility, strengthen the muscles and tissues that surround the heel and relieve pain associated with calcareous spur. Therapists can incorporate various techniques, such as stretching exercises, ultrasound therapy and heat or cold therapy to provide relief. A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology discovered that physiotherapy significantly reduced pain and improved function in patients with girlfriend spur.

“Physiotherapy plays a fundamental role in the treatment of limestone, since it allows patients to recover mobility and reduce pain. Therapists can adapt the exercises to treat specific muscle groups and provide support to the affected area, favoring thehealing and preventing major damage. “

1. Acupuncture: acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice, consists of the insertion of fine needles into specific points of the body to stimulate energy flow and promote pain relief. This alternative therapy has proven beneficial for various musculoskeletal conditions, including calcareous spur. Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation in the affected area and activate the organism’s natural curative response. A study published in the journal Medical Acupuncture reported that acupuncture provided significant pain relief in patients with chronic heel pain, including those with calcareous spur.
• Masopherapy: massage therapy focuses on the handling of soft foot tissues and calf to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension and relieve pain associated with heel spur. Different techniques, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage or trigger points therapy, to treat specific discomfort areas, can be used. An investigation published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics showed that massage therapy significantly reduced pain and improved functionality in patients with planting pain in the heel, a common symptom of calcareous spur.
• Herbal remedies: herbal remedies, including topical creams, oils or supplements, are often used in alternative medicine to provide pain and inflammation relief caused by heel spur. Some herbs commonly recommended for its ant i-inflammatory properties are turmeric, ginger and the devil’s claw. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy to ensure that they do not interact with other medications or health conditions.

Preventing heel spurs: lifestyle changes and self-care tips

1. Use proper footwear: Choosing proper footwear can be a big difference when preventing calcareous spur. Opt for shoes that provide support, cushioning and absorption of adequate impacts. Avoid high heels or shoes with narrow toe, since they can excessive pressure on the heels and cause the appearance of spur.

2. 2. Keep a healthy weight: excess weight can overload your feet, including heel bones. If it maintains a healthy weight, it will reduce the pressure on the feet and minimize the risk of developing calcareous spurs. Exercising regularly and following a balanced diet can help you get and maintain a healthy weight.

Remember that prevention is the key when it comes to limestone spur. By making simple lifestyle changes, such as the use of proper footwear and maintaining a healthy weight, it can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing heel spurs and associated pain.

3. Stretch and strengthen: Stretch and strengthen regularly feet and calf muscles can help prevent calcareous spur. Perform exercises such as calf elevations, fingers and curl stretching with towel to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the heel. Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can also contribute to the general health of the feet.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont