Heel Spurs

Heel spurs specialist in the Collin County, TX: Plano (Frisco, Allen, Murphy, Lucas) and Dallas County, TX: Garland, Carrollton, Richardson, Farmers Branch, Sachse, Addison areasHeel spurs are essentially a hook of bone that forms at the back of the foot, at the base of the ankle. Heel spurs are also described as a calcium deposit that covers the tendons and ligaments of the ankle. Heel spurs cause extreme pain, and can prevent someone from walking or being physically active at a normal level.

Heel spurs are more common than people expect them to be. They are most common in people age forty and over, although heel spurs can occur in people younger than forty, and frequently affect athletes or people who are very physically active. Heel spurs are also common in those with poor circulation and degenerative diseases. People who suffer from arthritis may suffer from heel spurs as well.

The symptoms of heel spurs are pain in the lower ankle, which increase when walking. 
Treatment of heel spurs can be treated many ways and most often times is very effective. If someone suspects that they have heel spurs, they should contact their physician. Their physician will recommend that they perform an x-ray on the patient's ankles. The physician may also perform a physical on the patient to ensure that there are no underlying conditions, and of course if heel spurs are discovered a physician can recommend treatment options.

Orthopedic shoes are specially designed footwear for people who suffer with foot problems. Orthopedics offer a rubber sole, which cushions the heel and adds comfort to those who suffer from heel spurs. Another simple way to help the pain of heel spurs is to elevate the ankle to diminish the pain. When elevating the ankle, the blood is not focused on that area of the foot and can bring some relief. When all these options have been attempted, and there is still no relief from heel spurs, or the heel spurs return, surgery can be the more dramatic and permanent way to rid patient of heel spurs.

There are less conventional ways that are becoming more popular ways to treat heel spurs. One option would be to use a night splint which reduces the pain caused from heel spurs if worn overnight. Other alternative treatment methods that can be used are ultrasound, or acupressure. There are also other tolls that can be used are heel cups, heel seats, heel pads, arch supports, and insoles.

Exercise is also another powerful tool to help alleviate pain from heel spurs and can help in dealing with some of the symptoms, although exercising incorrectly and forgetting to protect your feet can lead to further pain. It is important to remember the correct way to place the feet when exercising so as to avoid making the problems worse, or creating problems. When exercising to alleviate heel spurs, exercising strengthens muscles around the surrounding tissue around the ankle. Stretching will also keep the tendons around the ankle flexible.

Heel Spurs (Faq)

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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