Heel Spurs Specialist

What are heel spurs? 

Heel spurs are bony growths on the underside of your heel. They can protrude out as much as half an inch, and the condition is sometimes called heel spur syndrome.

Even though they’re often painless and go away on their own, heel spurs can certainly cause pain and make everyday tasks such as walking or standing for extended periods difficult. There is often a link between heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects the ball to your heel bone.

What causes heel spurs? 

Heel spurs form when calcium deposits accumulate under your heel bone. The process usually takes many months. Generally, the cause stems from structural damage inside your foot. 

When you strain your foot muscles and ligaments, stretch the connective tissue, or repeatedly tear the membrane covering your heel bone, a heel spur can form. This condition is prevalent amongst athletes or anyone who frequently runs and jumps. These types of repetitive actions can lead to heel spurs.

You are also susceptible to heel spurs if you’re overweight or obese, have tight calf muscles, or a gait abnormality.

As with many foot deformities, preventable measures, such as properly fitting, roomy shoes, and the use of orthotics, help limit your risk of heel spurs.

How do you treat heel spurs? 

In most cases, the team at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists can treat heel spurs with conservative and non-surgical methods.

Your podiatrist will likely recommend stretches to help strengthen the area and act against the underlying structural issue. Giving you customized orthotics and taping any affected muscles or ligaments to help rest them can also help bring about effective treatment results. Physical therapy is also beneficial.

Anti-inflammatory medications and injections may also help ease the pain and inflammation of heel spurs.

If your heel spur doesn’t respond to conservative approaches, your podiatrist at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists may opt for surgical techniques to repair internal damage that’s causing your heel spur. The team uses minimally invasive methods in surgery to guarantee a comfortable, convenient experience. 

If you notice a heel spur that’s causing you to limit your everyday routine, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists today.