Heel pain can disrupt your daily life, making every step uncomfortable. A common cause of this pain is heel spurs—bony growths that develop on the heel bone. In this article, we’ll explore what heel spurs are, their causes and symptoms, how they’re diagnosed, and the treatment options available to help you find relief.
At Bluebonnet Foot and Ankle Institute, we’re dedicated to providing personalized care for patients dealing with foot and ankle conditions, including heel spurs. Contact our expert team in Austin, Texas, today to schedule an appointment!
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form on the underside of the heel bone. Heel spurs develop over time due to stress on the foot’s structures, including the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. While heel spurs themselves are not always painful, they can lead to inflammation and discomfort, especially when associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Heel spurs typically result from repetitive strain on the foot. Common factors include:
Heel spur symptoms vary, but they commonly include:
Diagnosing heel spurs typically begins with a physical examination and discussion of your symptoms. Your doctor will evaluate your foot, focusing on the areas causing pain. Imaging tests like X-rays are often used to confirm the presence of heel spurs and rule out other conditions like fractures or arthritis.
At Bluebonnet Foot and Ankle Institute, our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to provide accurate assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
Treating heel spurs typically begins with rest and non-surgical treatments.
In many cases, heel spur treatment can relieve symptoms without the need for surgery. Common options include:
MLS Laser Therapy is another effective non-surgical treatment for heel spurs. This advanced therapy uses light energy to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and alleviate pain in the affected area. By stimulating cellular activity and improving blood flow, the MLS laser helps support your body’s natural healing process.
If non-surgical options are ineffective and heel spur pain persists, surgery may be recommended. Surgical procedures can remove the heel spur or address the associated plantar fascia to provide lasting relief. Recovery times vary, but most patients experience significant improvement.
At Bluebonnet Foot and Ankle Institute, we prioritize conservative care but are skilled in performing minimally invasive surgical procedures when necessary.
Preventing heel spurs often involves reducing stress on the feet and promoting overall foot health. Here are some tips:
Heel pain, including conditions like heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, can significantly affect your quality of life. At Bluebonnet Foot and Ankle Institute, we offer compassionate, expert care tailored to your needs. From non-surgical solutions to advanced surgical options, our goal is to help you regain mobility and live pain-free.
Contact our office in Austin, TX, today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward relief!
Medically reviewed by Liza Chabokrow, DPM
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