When Heel Spurs Strike Your Feet
A heel spur is a condition that has been created by a growth that feels bony. In other cases, it can be called a calcium deposit. It will extend between your arch and heel bone, causing heel pain and inflammation. Usually starting in the heel alone, it spreads to the other parts of your foot. Sometimes it doesn’t cause pain, or the pain will be from another condition, making it hard to diagnose. Plantar fasciitis is another that can come with heel spurs.
Treatments for Heel Spurs
- Cold packs–a cold compress for fifteen minutes can help relieve the pain by numbing the area a little.
- Shots–a podiatrist may decide that you recommend corticosteroid shots. These shots soothe the inflammation that travels through your feet.
- Physical therapy–physical therapy, stretching, and resting, will be additional implements that a podiatrist will recommend. These ideas can help manage the pain, inflammation and help with mobility. Resting also helps because taking the weight off of your foot will help you in the long run.
- Orthotics--a foot doctor will also suggest orthotics so that they can reduce pain, reduce the chances of tearing your heel, improve mobility, and help you keep your feet healthier longer.
- Surgery–this type of surgery removes the spur, but it can also mean releasing your plantar fascia as well.
- Intense heel pain can be a sign of other conditions. It would be best if you didn’t wait to see a doctor when experiencing this issue because it can lead to much worse conditions, and you could lose your mobility and independence.
The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, can offer you the best treatment and care possible. Our specialized team of doctors, Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACFAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., are dedicated to using the best areas of technology to serve and help you. With treatments such as the PinPointe FootLaser, custom-fitted orthotics, and Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) for chronic foot, heel, or ankle pain. If you need an appointment, please call (520) 575-0800.
