What Are Heel Spurs?
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Heel spurs are painful and may cause you to question what it is about them that takes the energy out of your heels. Since they affect the tissue that connects the heel to the ball of your foot, your mobility takes a big hit. Heel spurs are growths in your heel bone that occur due to calcium deposits that mature as your plantar fascia is tugged away from the heel. This causes the plantar fascia to additionally become worn out. They happen from wearing poorly fitting shoes, being overweight or having other foot complications. They are usually located at the back of the heel or on the bottom of the foot. As your plantar fascia becomes inflamed, heel spurs become more painful and more problematic. Plantar heel spurs can be sensitive at the initial phases but will become even more uncomfortable as pressure is placed on your heel from everyday activities. For these reasons, your inaction will translate into significant pain down the road.
Treatment for this condition includes:
Take anti-inflammatories to fight off the swelling and pain that are being caused by heel spurs and an injured plantar fascia.
Use plenty of ice to treat inflammation.
Wrap your heel with special bandages to compress the area.
Get plenty of exercise and don't hesitate to take part in physical therapy in order to make your foot muscles stronger.
Use orthotics to help manage friction and pressure placed around your heel. This will have a beneficial effect in preventing the formation of new heel spurs.
Here at The Texas Foot Specialists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum provide expert and specialized care to address all of your foot and ankle needs. From conservative to advanced surgical treatments, you can always count on us for quality and compassionate care. Contact us online to make an appointment at one of our conveniently located offices in Sugar Land, Pasadena or Houston.