Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone. In the early stages, they are often unnoticeable. However, if they are left to grow large enough, they can become incredibly painful.
Heel spurs can usually be treated with rest and stretching. Still, if they become unbearably painful, our foot, ankle, and podiatry specialists at OrthoNeuro can perform an ankle arthroscopy to treat the condition.
According to data from the Cleveland Clinic, roughly 15% of the population suffers from heel spurs.
Although they are not always painful, it’s best to speak with our professionals at OrthoNeuro in Columbus, Ohio to understand the condition better.
Heel spurs are small bony protrusions that develop on the heel bone. While they are often harmless, they can cause immense heel pain and discomfort if left untreated.
Some bone spurs are often described as looking like a small nail sticking out from the foot. Others are much smaller and can only be seen under a microscope.
Heel spurs are often caused by repetitive heel bone stress, such as excessive running or jumping. They can also be caused by risk factors such as arthritis or wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support to the heel.
It is not entirely clear how these problems lead to heel spur development.
However, it is thought that the repetitive strain on the heel bone causes calcium deposits to grow abnormally along the bone. This results in a bony outgrowth, known as a bone spur.
The symptoms of a heel spur vary depending on the size and severity of the outgrowth. Many patients do not feel any discomfort or pain in the early stages.
However, as the outgrowth gets more significant, you may notice the following heel spur symptoms:
Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are two different conditions.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia ligament, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes damaged and inflamed, leading to foot pain.
Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone.
However, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs may occur together. This is because heel spurs are often caused by plantar fasciitis, as the inflammation of the plantar fascia can lead to the development of a heel spur.
A heel spur is often diagnosed through a physical examination, during which your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, perform a physical exam of your foot and leg, and may order an x-ray or an MRI to view the bony protrusion.
Mild heel spurs do not usually require treatment. However, several treatments are available if your heel spur is causing pain.
Heel spur treatment options include the following:
It is possible to prevent and reduce the risk of developing heel spurs. Ideally, you should wear appropriate shoes with heel pads designed for flat feet or feet with high arches.
Additionally, stretching your calf muscles and Achilles tendons can help with plantar fascia release, reducing stress on your heels.
If you have been struggling with chronic heel pain, we recommend contacting OrthoNeuro in Columbus, Ohio today to schedule an examination with our trained physicians.
They can inspect your heels and determine whether you have fasciitis or bone spurs.
If you have been suffering the symptoms of a heel spur, schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists at one of our 7 convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus.
Best of all, most patients can be seen within 24 hours of making an appointment.
Related Services
Foot & Ankle
Podiatry
IF YOU HAVE AN ACUTE INJURY OR LIVE WITH CHRONIC FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN IN CALL ORTHONEURO TODAY OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT FOOT AND ANKLE CARE IN COLUMBUS, OHIO.
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