Heel Spurs
Treatment and Prevention of Painful Heel Spurs
Approximately 15% of the population walks with a heel spur—a calcium growth on the bottom of the heel bone. These bony protrusions can sometimes cause no symptoms; however, most irritate and inflame the surrounding area of the heel, including the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects the heelbone to the toes.
Heel spurs can make it miserable or impossible to walk comfortably and they affect your everyday mobility and overall quality of life. Patients often describe heel spur pain as a sharp pin or knife poking into their heel when they stand up in the morning—a pain that changes to a dull ache as the day goes on. At Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists, our goal is healthy feet for life. And that means correctly diagnosing and treating painful heel spurs, so our patients can return to the activities they love.
Understanding Heel Spurs and Heel Pain
A heel spur develops when a calcium deposit builds up on the underside of the heel bone, causing a bony protrusion. This protrusion often forms over time and is usually diagnosed through an X-ray. 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 in the affected area, inflammation, and swelling at the front of the heel.
Causes of Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are caused by strain put on your foot’s muscles and ligaments. They may also be caused by the repeated tearing of the membrane that covers and protects the heel bone. This can happen to people who spend all day on their feet, overuse their feet, or don’t properly protect their feet.
Heels spurs are more likely to develop in:
- Athletes
- Those who regularly jog or run long distances
- Those who regularly walk or run on hard surfaces
- Those who wear shoes that don’t fit properly and/or have no arch support
- Those with walking and gait abnormalities
- Patients with diabetes
- Those with arthritis
- People with high arches
- People who have flat feet
- People who are older
- People who carry extra weight
Diagnosing and Treating Heel Spur Symptoms
A podiatrist will diagnose a heel spur by examining your foot and discussing your symptoms. Your doctor will likely use an X-ray or another imaging system to confirm that the bony protrusion is a spur. Once your podiatrist determines you have a heel spur, treatment will usually start with non-invasive, nonsurgical heel spur treatment and interventions such as rest, cold compresses, and lifestyle changes. But if your heel spur persists for longer than a month, treatment may include medication, physical therapy, and/or night splints.
Common Questions About Heel Spurs
What Happens if I Leave My Heel Spur Untreated?
Will a Bone Spur Resolve on Its Own?
What Can I Do to Prevent Heel Spurs?
Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists for Your Foot and Ankle Health
If you have pain in your feet or ankles, it can negatively impact your life and interfere with your daily routine. You need a compassionate, skilled podiatrist to work with you to determine the cause and provide treatment based on your specific needs. With 30 years of experience, the podiatrists at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists understand the relationship between your feet and your overall health. Whether your condition requires therapy, orthotics, or surgery, we offer leading-edge medical care to address your unique situation.
We offer patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area safe, effective, and affordable treatment plans. If you’re struggling with a foot or an ankle problem, call us today at 817-481-4000, or fill out our contact form to make an appointment.
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Treatment and Prevention of Painful Heel Spurs
Approximately 15% of the population walks with a heel spur—a calcium growth on the bottom of the heel bone. These bony protrusions can sometimes cause no symptoms; however, most irritate and inflame the surrounding area of the heel, including the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects the heelbone to the toes.
Heel spurs can make it miserable or impossible to walk comfortably and they affect your everyday mobility and overall quality of life. Patients often describe heel spur pain as a sharp pin or knife poking into their heel when they stand up in the morning—a pain that changes to a dull ache as the day goes on. At Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists, our goal is healthy feet for life. And that means correctly diagnosing and treating painful heel spurs, so our patients can return to the activities they love.
Understanding Heel Spurs and Heel Pain
Causes of Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are caused by strain put on your foot’s muscles and ligaments. They may also be caused by the repeated tearing of the membrane that covers and protects the heel bone. This can happen to people who spend all day on their feet, overuse their feet, or don’t properly protect their feet.
Heels spurs are more likely to develop in:
- Athletes
- Those who regularly jog or run long distances
- Those who regularly walk or run on hard surfaces
- Those who wear shoes that don’t fit properly and/or have no arch support
- Those with walking and gait abnormalities
- Patients with diabetes
- Those with arthritis
- People with high arches
- People who have flat feet
- People who are older
- People who carry extra weight
Diagnosing and Treating Heel Spur Symptoms
A podiatrist will diagnose a heel spur by examining your foot and discussing your symptoms. Your doctor will likely use an X-ray or another imaging system to confirm that the bony protrusion is a spur. Once your podiatrist determines you have a heel spur, treatment will usually start with non-invasive, nonsurgical heel spur treatment and interventions such as rest, cold compresses, and lifestyle changes. But if your heel spur persists for longer than a month, treatment may include medication, physical therapy, and/or night splints.
Common Questions About Heel Spurs
What Happens if I Leave My Heel Spur Untreated?
Will a Bone Spur Resolve on Its Own?
What Can I Do to Prevent Heel Spurs?
Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists for Your Foot and Ankle Health
If you have pain in your feet or ankles, it can negatively impact your life and interfere with your daily routine. You need a compassionate, skilled podiatrist to work with you to determine the cause and provide treatment based on your specific needs. With 30 years of experience, the podiatrists at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists understand the relationship between your feet and your overall health. Whether your condition requires therapy, orthotics, or surgery, we offer leading-edge medical care to address your unique situation.
We offer patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area safe, effective, and affordable treatment plans. If you’re struggling with a foot or an ankle problem, call us today at 817-481-4000, or fill out our contact form to make an appointment.
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