What Surgical Options Are Available for Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form on the heel. These deposits create a bony-like growth, called a heel spur. Many people can treat the condition without surgery, though. However, surgical options for heel spurs are available if you are a candidate.
Understanding Heel Spurs
Spurs develop on the underside of the heel. Or underneath the sole of the foot. However, excessive strain, pressure, and friction are the common causes. The contributing factors for heel spur development are:
- Exercise (includes walking, jogging, and running)
- Poor-fitting shoes or high heels
- Having flat feet or high arches
- Being overweight
- Arthritis
Sometimes heel spurs cause no pain and go unnoticed. Any pain that does occur can be intermittent. Pain can also be chronic for some. Surgery can help alleviate pain. But this is the last resort option.
Less invasive methods are first done. Most heel spurs do not require surgery. And alternative treatments can relieve pain. The most effective non-surgical options include:
- Stretching
- Wearing shoe inserts
- Physical therapy
- Wearing ankle splints at night
- Over-the-counter-medications
Your doctor may also administer cortisone injections. However, this is for severe cases of inflammation.
Only when these methods do not help will surgery be recommended. Most doctors will use non-surgical treatment methods for at least 12 months.
Also, see: What Treatment Options are Available for Heel Spurs?
Surgical Options for Heel Spurs
There are two types of surgery for heel spurs, such as:
Plantar Fascia Release
The plantar fascia connects your toes to your heel bone. So, inflammation in this tissue can contribute to heel spurs. Therefore, causing too much pressure on the plantar fascia. Heel spurs are common in those with plantar fasciitis. But, the pain felt is often from the inflammation. However, not the bone spur itself.
Plantar fasciitis release is for pain relief. Part of the tissue is cut to relieve tension and inflammation. It is an outpatient procedure and can be in two ways, such as:
Open surgery: This procedure is done through a large incision.
Endoscopic surgery: small surgical tools are inserted through small incisions.
Heel Spur Removal
Sometimes the entire heel spur may be removed. However, these procedures are rare. Surgery is for larger bone spurs that cause severe pain. This is also done as open or endoscopic surgery.
Surgical Options for Heel Spurs
Most pain with heel spurs will improve with non-surgical treatments. On the other hand, if the heel spur is large, surgery is necessary. Also, if pain worsens after 12 months of treatment.
Prognosis
Heel spur surgery is successful for some. But, it doesn’t work for all patients. Some see improvements within a week of surgery. Others will have persistent pain. Heel spurs can also return. This is common when initial contributing factors are still present. You can prevent heel spurs by:
- Wearing properly fitted shoes
- Wearing appropriate shoes for activities
- Adding insoles to shoes to relieve pressure
- Stretch daily
- Maintain a healthy weight
Heel spurs cause heel pain. Therefore, making it difficult to walk, stand, and exercise. In fact, mobility often decreases. If you have heel pain, speak with your doctor. Treatment can help alleviate pain. However, If it does not, surgery may be an option to get you moving again.
Are you experiencing heel spurs without relief? Then, call us at 888-409-8006.