Heel Spur (Heel Spurs, Bony Spur)

Definition
Heel Spurs or heel spur syndrome are most often the result of stress on the muscles and fascia of the foot. This stress may form a spur on the bottom of the heel. While many spurs are painless others may produce chronic pain.

Based on the condition and the chronic nature of the disease, heel surgery can provide relief of pain and restore mobility in many cases. The type of procedure is based on examination and usually consists of plantar fascia release, with or without heel spur excision. There have been various modifications and surgical enhancements regarding surgery of the heel. Your podiatric physician will determine which method is best suited for you.

There are many other causes of heel pain, which has become one of the most common foot problems reported by patients of podiatric physicians. Many of them have a basis in heredity, as do a lot of other foot conditions. Among the causes are stress fractures and stress-fracture syndrome, entrapped nerves, bruises, bursitis, arthritis (including gout), deterioration of the fat pad on the heel, improper shoes, and obesity, just to name some. Most of these conditions will be treated nonsurgically, though surgery may be recommended in some instances.

Cause
While injury, overuse or other temporary, mechanical causes can bring on discomfort in the heel, a painful heel may also accompany a more serious condition, such as:

• Gout
• Arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Collagen disorders
• Nerve injuries
• Heel bone abnormalities
• Tumors

Illnesses like these and others must be diagnosed and treated separately. Your podiatric surgeon may refer you to a local specialist if the problems are beyond his or her area of expertise.

Self-Care
Several steps can be taken to care for a painful heel at home.

Take medications that contain ibuprofen or aspirin daily as directed, for as long as symptoms persist, to help reduce tissue inflammation.

Follow dosage directions carefully. As with any medication, be aware of potential allergic responses and discontinue use if any adverse reaction occurs, or if pain is not relieved after several days' use.

Soak the heel in ice water to relieve pain and inflammation. This works best by placing the foot in a basin filled with tap water, high enough to cover the heel. Allow the foot to adjust to this temperature. Then add ice cubes (two or three at a time) every five or six minutes over a 30-minute period. Soak the foot in ice water three times daily and immediately after any activity. Heat may also be recommended, but ice is usually preferable. Caution: People with diabetes or poor circulation should not use cold water or ice packs.

Avoid sports and other vigorous activities while healing.

Wear higher heeled shoes and choose shoes with heels made from soft rubber instead of leather. Running shoes are often the most comfortable.

Stretch the calf muscles daily

Signs and Tests
In most cases, heel pain can be relieved without surgery. Treatment may include self-care, medications, therapy or orthotics.

Treatment
If self-care measures do not relieve the pain, the podiatric surgeon may recommend various treatments to reduce inflammation. Some of these may include:

• Prescription oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce both pain and inflammation.
• Cortisone injections
• Foot taping and padding
• Physical therapy - The podiatrist or physical therapist may treat heel pain with ultrasound, electrical stimulation or hydrotherapy. Each of these methods may help reduce inflammation.
• Custom orthotics - A foam or plastic orthotic (custom-made to fit the foot) can often relieve the strain on the tissues and permit the heel to recover.

Prevention
Unfortunately, prevention is not always possible. If pain is related to too much activity or an abnormal foot structure (such as flat feet or high arches), modifying the daily routine to exclude activities that are stressful on the feet should be considered. For example, jogging should be replaced with biking and/or swimming. If symptoms of heel pain develop, icing the foot should begin immediately.

While these are some of the most commonly prescribed treatments for heel disorders, others may be used. The podiatric surgeon will determine which treatment is likely to be the most successful in each case.

Recommendation
Flexifly™ Anatomical Regular Orthotic

Flexifly™ Anatomical 1/2" SofSponge Heel w/ Depr.

Flexifly™ 1/4" SofSponge Cover, 1/4" Heel Pad w/ Depr.

Flexifly™ Anatomical Sport Generation II

Flexifly™ Anatomical 1/4" Heel Pad w/ Dress Leather Cover

Casual Orthotics 1/8" Pad & Suede Cover

Silicone Gel 3/4 length inserts

Plastic Heel Control Cups

Silicone Gel Heel Pads w/ Spot Depr.

The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. This site does not provide medical advice.