Heel pain is one of the most common symptoms we treat at Cange Podiatry, Inc. There are many causes of heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. If these conditions are not treated with diligence and care, heel spurs can form.
What are heel spurs?
Heel spurs are bony extensions of the heel bone that are often associated with plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. The ligament that connects the bottom of the heel down to the toes is the plantar fascia. When this ligament becomes overused, stressed, or injured, inflammation results. The repeated tension and resulting inflammation of the ligament eventually cause calcium deposits to form on the back of the heel bone, creating a protrusion. Similarly, injury to the Achilles tendon can also result in a heel spur.
As heel spurs form, pain and discomfort can get progressively worse, so seeing a podiatrist who can offer effective treatments is your fastest way to relief.
Treatments for this condition may include:
● Rest. Taking the pressure off of your feet is very important to help the heel combat pain from spurs.
● Cold therapy for alleviating inflammation.
● Anti-Inflammatory medication to reduce swelling.
● Wearing the correct shoes to alleviate and prevent pressure from being placed on your heel. Padding can be placed in shoes to help the heel recover from spurs.
● Inserting orthotics inside shoes to reduce stress on the heel and redistribute pressure.
● Physical therapy to strengthen the ligaments and tissues around the heel bone.
● Surgical procedures for extreme cases when your heel spurs do not respond to any of the conservative methods discussed above. During surgery, the bony protrusion is removed.
Is your heel pain not going away? Do you think you have a heel spur? At Cange Podiatry Inc., our podiatrist, Darlyne Cange, DPM, can provide you with effective and lasting treatment that can put an end to the heel spurs that have been chipping away at your comfort. If you’re ready to move on from heel pain, contact us to make an appointment today! We are located in Ellicott City and Glen Burnie, MD. We value the opportunity to provide the best podiatric care for you and your feet.