Heel Spurs

Heel Spurs Treatment in Bradenton and Sarasota, FL

Heel spurs treatment in the Manatee County, FL: Bradenton (University Park, Bayshore Gardens, Palmetto, Foxleigh, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Parrish) and Sarasota County, FL: Sarasota (South Gate Ridge, Sarasota Springs, Venice, Laurel, Osprey, Fruitville, South Sarasota, North Sarasota, Southgate, Bee Ridge) areasHeel spurs are brought upon by a calcium deposit that causes a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. It normally forms over time and can best be diagnosed through an x-ray examination. Heel spurs are commonly linked with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation that runs along the bottom of the foot. Common symptoms of heel spurs include pain towards the affected area, inflammation, and swelling at the front of the heel.

Some risk factors for developing heel spurs include running and jogging on hard surfaces, being obese, wearing poorly fitting shoes, or having walking gait abnormalities.

There are different causes that may lead to a heel spur including poorly fitted shoes, excess weight or obesity, repetitive stress from running or jogging on hard surfaces, and arthritis. Treating a heel spur often requires a lifestyle change as well as getting plenty of rest. Using cold compresses is another method to help alleviate the discomfort of a heel spur. To prevent further damage, it may be useful to look into wearing shoe inserts or custom orthotics.

Heel spurs can be prevented by wearing well-fitting shoes that have shock-absorbent soles. You should also be sure that you are choosing the right shoe for the activity you want to partake in; for example, do not wear walking shoes when you want to go on a run. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight can be beneficial toward preventing heel spurs, as it will prevent an excess amount of pressure being placed on the ligaments.

Self-Care for Heel Spurs

Practicing different exercises can help reduce the pain of heel spurs as well decrease inflammation you may be experiencing. Some of these helpful exercises include calf stretches performed either against a wall or on steps, foot rolls with a golf or tennis ball, seated foot flexes, and towel grabs with your toes. Heel spur prevention can start by understanding the everyday stresses put on your feet and knowing when to let your feet rest. It’s also important to not let heel pain go uncared for. Once you notice something is off, take action instead of waiting to see if it goes away.

If you’d like more information about heel spurs, consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with a proper diagnosis and professional care.

Heel Spurs (FAQs)

What are heel spurs?
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that produce bony growths on the underside of the heel bone. They may or may not cause heel pain. Heel spurs are typically diagnosed through an X-ray.
What does a heel spur feel like?
Heel spurs may not cause any symptoms. Many people have heel spurs and don’t even know it until they show up on an X-ray for other foot conditions. For others, heel spurs can cause heel pain, inflammation, discomfort, or difficulty walking or doing physical activities. They frequently co-occur with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes.
What causes heel spurs?
Heel spurs form over a period of months as strain on foot muscles and ligaments and stretching of the plantar fascia lead to tears forming in the membrane that covers the heel bone. Calcium then deposits in the area under the heel in response to these repetitive traumas, forming bony heel spurs. People who have an abnormal gait, frequently run or jog, wear poorly-fitted shoes, are overweight or obese, have flat feet, or stand for prolonged periods of time may be more at risk of developing heel spurs.
Can you get rid of heel spurs?
Treatments for heel spurs include stretching exercises, footwear and activity modifications, taping or strapping the affected foot, wearing orthotics, and taking over the counter pain medications. While the majority of people see improvement with conservative treatments, a small percentage of people may need surgical intervention to release the plantar fascia ligament or remove a spur. You should consult with your podiatrist to determine the best course of action for you.

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