How are Heel Spurs Treated?
First, let’s start off by talking about what a heel spur is. A heel spur develops when there are calcium deposits on the back and bottom of your heel bone. The growth often occurs at the interface where a tendon or a ligament attaches to the heel bone. Even though they’re usually painless, sometimes they can cause heel pain though. The two most common types of heel spurs are Achilles insertional and plantar fasciitis bone spurs. Below you will find the different types of heel spurs and treatment options.
The Achilles Insertional Bone Spur
Our bodies have different tendons. The Achilles tendon is not only the largest but the strongest too. It’s formed when two muscles of your leg combine, and it attaches to the back of your heel. It’s this tendon that enables us to lift our feet down and walk on our tiptoes.
An Achilles bone spur occurs directly where the tendon and the edge of your shoe merge with your heel bone. Mostly, they are caused by injuries and genetics. But at times, they may be caused by overuse. Spurs begin as a small growth, but if left untreated, they will grow widely within the tendon.
The irony, however, is that the size of a bone spur does not reflect on the level of pain one may feel. In fact, a large heel spur can be completely painless. On the other hand, a small one can cause excruciating pain.
Treatment involves alleviating pressure from the shoe on your heel bone with gel pads and the use of spot stretching shoes. But in some severe cases, your physician may suggest heel lifts to keep your bone elevated in a way that your backpack is also raised above the shoe edge. If the inflamed area has a fluid, pain medication may also be prescribed.
Surgery can be performed in extreme cases. If spurs are on the surface, a simple operation may do. But if there’s significant growth, it’ll require surgical detachment and reattachment. Some patients may also need tendon transfers. Generally, healing will take between 6 to 8 weeks, but during this time, one must rely on crutches.
Plantar Fasciitis Spur
The plantar fascia supports the arch. Bone spurs developing on this ligament can cause inflammation called plantar fasciitis. Note that while heel spurs may not often occur with plantar fasciitis, they are common in individuals who have plantar fasciitis.
Unlike other spurs, this type tends to point forwards towards the toes. Therefore, the pain one feels is not directly from the bone spur, but instead, it’s caused by inflammation and microtears of this ligament.
Treatment involves lots of rest and arch support to stabilize your ligaments. Physicians prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, icing, and physical therapy to help reduce inflammation. Severe cases may force someone to use casting and crutches.
There is some good news! And that is that this kind of bone spur typically resolves after several months. However, if it persists after a year of treatment, surgery to control lengthening will be necessary.
Bone spurs are common, and there are high chances of developing them as we age. So, we must understand the different types of heel spurs and their treatment, as this will support a speedy recovery.
If pain persists, call us at 888-409-8006. Our top foot/ ankle board-certified specialist is here to help.