Heel Spur Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and Surgery

Written by Rick Ansorge

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on August 28, 2022

• Causes of Heel Spurs
• Symptoms of Heel Spurs
• Non-Surgical Treatments for Heel Spurs
• Surgery for Heel Spurs
• Prevention of Heel Spurs

A heel spur is a calcium deposit causing a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. On an X-ray, a heel spur can extend forward by as much as a half-inch. Without visible X-ray evidence, the condition is sometimes known as “heel spur syndrome.”

Although heel spurs are often painless, they can cause heel pain. They are frequently associated with plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the fibrous band of connective tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot.

Treatments for heel spurs and associated conditions include exercise, custom-made orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections. If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary.

Heel spurs occur when calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone, a process that usually occurs over a period of many months. Heel spurs are often caused by strains on foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Heel spurs are especially common among athletes whose activities include large amounts of running and jumping.

Risk factors for heel spurs include:

• Walking gait abnormalities, which place excessive stress on the heel bone, ligaments, and nerves near the heel
• Running or jogging, especially on hard surfaces
• Poorly fitted or badly worn shoes, especially those lacking appropriate arch support
• Excess weight and obesity

Other risk factors associated with plantar fasciitis include:

• Increasing age, which decreases plantar fascia flexibility and thins the heel’s protective fat pad
• Diabetes
• Spending most of the day on one’s feet
• Frequent short bursts of physical activity
• Having either flat feet or high arches

Heel spurs often cause no symptoms. But heel spurs can be associated with intermittent or chronic pain — especially while walking, jogging, or running — if inflammation develops at the point of the spur formation. In general, the cause of the pain is not the heel spur itself but the soft-tissue injury associated with it.

Many people describe the pain of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis as a knife or pin sticking into the bottom of their feet when they first stand up in the morning — a pain that later turns into a dull ache. They often complain that the sharp pain returns after they stand up after sitting for a prolonged period of time.

The heel pain associated with heel spurs and plantar fasciitis may not respond well to rest. If you walk after a night’s sleep, the pain may feel worse as the plantar fascia suddenly elongates, which stretches and pulls on the heel. The pain often decreases the more you walk. But you may feel a recurrence of pain after either prolonged rest or extensive walking.

If you have heel pain that persists for more than one month, consult a health care provider. They may recommend conservative treatments such as:

• Stretching exercises
• Shoe recommendations
• Taping or strapping to rest stressed muscles and tendons
• Shoe inserts or orthotic devices
• Physical therapy
• Night splints

Heel pain may respond to treatment with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve). In many cases, a functional orthotic device can correct the causes of heel and arch pain such as biomechanical imbalances. In some cases, injection with a corticosteroid may be done to relieve inflammation in the area.

More than 90 percent of people get better with nonsurgical treatments. If conservative treatment fails to treat symptoms of heel spurs after a period of 9 to 12 months, surgery may be necessary to relieve pain and restore mobility. Surgical techniques include:

• Release of the plantar fascia
• Removal of a spur

Pre-surgical tests or exams are required to identify optimal candidates, and it’s important to observe post-surgical recommendations concerning rest, ice, compression, elevation of the foot, and when to place weight on the operated foot. In some cases, it may be necessary for patients to use bandages, splints, casts, surgical shoes, crutches, or canes after surgery. Possible complications of heel surgery include nerve pain, recurrent heel pain, permanent numbness of the area, infection, and scarring. In addition, with plantar fascia release, there is risk of instability, foot cramps, stress fracture, and tendinitis.

You can prevent heel spurs by wearing well-fitting shoes with shock-absorbent soles, rigid shanks, and supportive heel counters; choosing appropriate shoes for each physical activity; warming up and doing stretching exercises before each activity; and pacing yourself during the activities.

Avoid wearing shoes with excessive wear on the heels and soles. If you are overweight, losing weight may also help prevent heel spurs.

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Heel Spur Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and Surgery

Written by Rick Ansorge

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on August 28, 2022

• Causes of Heel Spurs
• Symptoms of Heel Spurs
• Non-Surgical Treatments for Heel Spurs
• Surgery for Heel Spurs
• Prevention of Heel Spurs

A heel spur is a calcium deposit causing a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. On an X-ray, a heel spur can extend forward by as much as a half-inch. Without visible X-ray evidence, the condition is sometimes known as “heel spur syndrome.”

Although heel spurs are often painless, they can cause heel pain. They are frequently associated with plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the fibrous band of connective tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot.

Treatments for heel spurs and associated conditions include exercise, custom-made orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections. If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary.

Heel spurs occur when calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone, a process that usually occurs over a period of many months. Heel spurs are often caused by strains on foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Heel spurs are especially common among athletes whose activities include large amounts of running and jumping.

Risk factors for heel spurs include:

• Walking gait abnormalities, which place excessive stress on the heel bone, ligaments, and nerves near the heel
• Running or jogging, especially on hard surfaces
• Poorly fitted or badly worn shoes, especially those lacking appropriate arch support
• Excess weight and obesity

Other risk factors associated with plantar fasciitis include:

• Increasing age, which decreases plantar fascia flexibility and thins the heel’s protective fat pad
• Diabetes
• Spending most of the day on one’s feet
• Frequent short bursts of physical activity
• Having either flat feet or high arches

Heel spurs often cause no symptoms. But heel spurs can be associated with intermittent or chronic pain — especially while walking, jogging, or running — if inflammation develops at the point of the spur formation. In general, the cause of the pain is not the heel spur itself but the soft-tissue injury associated with it.

Many people describe the pain of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis as a knife or pin sticking into the bottom of their feet when they first stand up in the morning — a pain that later turns into a dull ache. They often complain that the sharp pain returns after they stand up after sitting for a prolonged period of time.

The heel pain associated with heel spurs and plantar fasciitis may not respond well to rest. If you walk after a night’s sleep, the pain may feel worse as the plantar fascia suddenly elongates, which stretches and pulls on the heel. The pain often decreases the more you walk. But you may feel a recurrence of pain after either prolonged rest or extensive walking.

If you have heel pain that persists for more than one month, consult a health care provider. They may recommend conservative treatments such as:

• Stretching exercises
• Shoe recommendations
• Taping or strapping to rest stressed muscles and tendons
• Shoe inserts or orthotic devices
• Physical therapy
• Night splints

Heel pain may respond to treatment with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve). In many cases, a functional orthotic device can correct the causes of heel and arch pain such as biomechanical imbalances. In some cases, injection with a corticosteroid may be done to relieve inflammation in the area.

More than 90 percent of people get better with nonsurgical treatments. If conservative treatment fails to treat symptoms of heel spurs after a period of 9 to 12 months, surgery may be necessary to relieve pain and restore mobility. Surgical techniques include:

• Release of the plantar fascia
• Removal of a spur

Pre-surgical tests or exams are required to identify optimal candidates, and it’s important to observe post-surgical recommendations concerning rest, ice, compression, elevation of the foot, and when to place weight on the operated foot. In some cases, it may be necessary for patients to use bandages, splints, casts, surgical shoes, crutches, or canes after surgery. Possible complications of heel surgery include nerve pain, recurrent heel pain, permanent numbness of the area, infection, and scarring. In addition, with plantar fascia release, there is risk of instability, foot cramps, stress fracture, and tendinitis.

You can prevent heel spurs by wearing well-fitting shoes with shock-absorbent soles, rigid shanks, and supportive heel counters; choosing appropriate shoes for each physical activity; warming up and doing stretching exercises before each activity; and pacing yourself during the activities.

Avoid wearing shoes with excessive wear on the heels and soles. If you are overweight, losing weight may also help prevent heel spurs.

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Medical treatment of heel spurs.

The best preparations (drugs) for the effective treatment of spurs with medicines

Heel spur (fasciitis) – inflammation of the fascia of the heel, manifested by the appearance of a bone growth. At any stage of the disease, the patient experiences severe pain.

Improper hygiene and low immunity often lead to the fact that the bone spur becomes infected and becomes inflamed again.

Medical treatment of heel spurs gives good results: more than 90% of patients get rid of the thorn without surgery. What drugs to take for heel spurs?

In this article we will talk about the basic principles of the treatment of fasciitis with the help of various groups of medications.

Attention! This article is for informational purposes only! Only a doctor can prescribe medications. Do not self-medicate to avoid side effects and aggravation of the disease.

How to treat a heel spur with medicines?

Before treating a heel spur with medication, a diagnosis and assessment of the patient’s condition is required. The main method of diagnosis is radiography. The picture shows how large the spur is, how damaged the soft tissues are.

A blood test is also informative, it can be used to judge the degree of the inflammatory process. Depending on this, the doctor prescribes treatment.

Main goals of medical treatment of fasciitis:

1. Reduce the pain caused by the thorn.
2. Stop the inflammatory process of the fascia.
3. Remove puffiness and normalize the condition of the foot.

Which doctor treats a heel spur? Fasciitis is treated by orthopedic surgeons. If there is no such specialist in your hospital or clinic, then you need to contact a surgeon or traumatologist.

Treatment of heel spurs: pills and regimens

The standard treatment regimen for fasciitis includes the use of the following medications:

• Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory tablets of general action. For heel spurs, do not use sedatives or narcotic painkillers.
• Local anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of ointments, compresses, lotions.
• Additional health-improving medications: vitamins B and C, immunostimulants, dietary supplements to improve metabolism, etc.

Usually this scheme is effective and within 1-6 months the patient gets rid of the heel spur. If you combine taking medications with the right lifestyle and orthopedic remedies, then the cure will come much faster.

For example, these heel pads with heel spurs effectively unload the heel, reducing pressure on the fascia. As a result of their regular wearing, the heel tissue heals much faster.

If the above regimen does not help, the doctor prescribes hormone-containing medications.

Attention! It is strictly forbidden to prescribe and take steroid (hormonal) drugs on your own! For each person, the doctor prescribes an individual dosage, which depends on the condition, age, weight and gender of the patient.

Painkillers for heel spurs

To eliminate pain caused by inflamed fascia, drugs that slow down cyclooxygenase, an enzyme involved in the production of prostaglandins, are used. Such funds are taken orally, ie. through the mouth.

Heel spur pain relievers have the following effect:

• decrease in vascular permeability and improvement of microcirculation;
• anti-inflammatory effect due to blocking the formation of bradykinin;
• analgesic effect within 3-12 hours.

What pills to drink with a heel spur for pain relief?

Most frequently prescribed by doctors:

1. Ibuprofen

One of the most effective analgesic drugs with a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Has a minimum of contraindications.

Ibuprofen for heel spurs (as prescribed by the doctor individually) is well tolerated and does not adversely affect the joints.

Long-term treatment with ibuprofen is not allowed in the elderly and people with gastrointestinal disorders. In combination with coffee, the analgesic effect is greatly enhanced, but this combination affects the heart extremely badly.

2. Flexen

A drug based on ketoprofen that has a more pronounced effect than Ibuprofen. The disadvantages of this drug are the high cost of capsules and the presence of side effects. Flexen is also available in the form of a gel with an analgesic effect.

3. Voltaren

Tablets contain diclofenac. If you have a painful and progressive heel spur, diclofenac treatment will be most effective. The drug inhibits foci of inflammation, relieves swelling and improves the metabolic functions of the tissues of the heel fascia. Voltaren and other diclofenac-based products must be taken exactly according to the dosage.

4. Indomethacin

Indomethacin tablets are now considered obsolete due to the emergence of more effective and safer drugs. However, doctors often recommend indomentacin, advising you to drink it with plenty of water to reduce side effects.

Also, the list of commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets includes: Naproxen, Etodolac, Nemisulide, Amidopyrine, etc. Each drug has its own characteristics, so only a specialist can prescribe it after carrying out diagnostic measures.

Heel spur topical preparations

Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of heel spurs are used in the form of ointments and compresses. The most popular and effective external local remedies are:

1. Solution of Dimexide

A cheap remedy in the form of a solution, sold without a doctor’s prescription in any pharmacy. Dimexide against heel spurs is used as a lotion or compress.

The peculiarity of this drug is the ability to penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis and muscle tissue, stopping the inflammatory process. The drug is also an excellent antiseptic, preventing the insemination of the fascia by pathogenic microorganisms.

Compress recipe: Dissolve 50 ml of Dimexide in 200 ml of warm water. Moisten a gauze pad with the resulting solution and attach it to the heel with an adhesive plaster or bandage. Walk 3-6 hours. Make a compress daily until the spike is removed.

2. Indomethacin ointment 10%

A popular inexpensive agent with anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effects. The ointment increases joint mobility, eliminating pain and stiffness.

Indomethacin for heel spurs is used 2-3 times a day. The daily dose of 10% ointment should not exceed 10 cm. In the presence of certain cardiovascular diseases, this ointment is not recommended.

3. Dolobene

Gel with analgesic effect based on dexpanthenol and sodium heparin. It is characterized by rapid absorption and may cause allergic reactions.

Dolobene gel is used in electro- and ionophoresis, as well as in other physiotherapy procedures for heel spurs as a conductive agent.

4. Kapsikam

Locally irritating warming ointment. The main substance in the composition is capsaicin, which irritates the receptors. The ointment improves the blood supply to the heel area next to the spur.

Kasikam and other topical preparations with a warming effect should not be used in the presence of infectious irritation, abscesses, open wounds of the feet.

Also used in the treatment of fasciitis: Nise-gel, Nurofen, Finalgel, Voltaren, etc. Ointments and gels must be used regularly, and not occasionally, only with constant use they give a therapeutic effect.

Proper unloading of the heel is of great importance in local therapy. To do this, choose the spur insoles that best suit you.

Heel spurs: hormone-based drugs

Hormonal remedies for spurs are used when non-steroidal drugs fail. We can say that steroid ointments and injections are the last option to avoid surgery to remove the growth.

Steroid medicines for the treatment of heel spurs should only be used under medical supervision! They have many contraindications, especially for women.

These drugs include:

1.

Hydrocortisone

Available as an ointment. Apply to the affected heel 2 times a day. The duration of the course of treatment with hydrocortisone is not more than 2 weeks.

Active hormones in the ointment suppress inflammatory mediators and normalize blood circulation.

2. Diprospan

Long acting corticoid ointment. It is used in the presence of inflammation of the fascia and tendons. It is also available as a solution for injections.

Injected directly into the spike, with a strong absorbing effect. The frequency of injections of Diprospan is determined by the attending physician.

Attention! Frequent injections of heel spur block medication can tear the plantar fascia, which can lead to profound disability. That is why the uncontrolled use of hormonal injections is strictly prohibited.

Also used as hormonal drugs for the treatment of heel spurs in the form of a cream based on betamethasone and analogues, for example, Beloderm, Elocom, Advantan, etc.

Ointments based on medical bile

In the presence of a disease such as a heel spur, treatment with medicines can give a good result. However, due to the fact that all pharmaceuticals have side effects, they cannot be used for a long time. Meanwhile, the fasciae of the heel require special care even after the onset of remission.

In this case, it is recommended to use specialized creams designed for people with heel spurs or a tendency to develop them.

Such products have a number of distinctive features in comparison with pharmaceutical preparations:

• consist mainly of natural ingredients;
• can be used for a long time;
• do not have a harmful effect on the body;
• can be used as a preventive measure.

What ointments help with heel spurs in the acute stage and for prevention? Such characteristics are possessed by ointments of the Pyatkashpor line.

The series includes 3 types of ointments with different percentages of natural medicinal bile. This substance effectively and gently removes the bone spike, softens the skin of the heels, and also has an antibacterial, disinfectant effect.

During an exacerbation, you can use Heel Spur Reinforced with a high level of bile. For prevention, “Pyatkospor Prophylactic” with a reduced content of medical bile in the composition is perfect.

At the initial stage of the disease with spurs, use these ointments and the bone-salt growth will bother you much less.

How to improve the effectiveness of medicines in the treatment of heel spurs?

In order to successfully get rid of fasciitis with drug therapy, an important condition is the unloading of the heel during walking. This can be done using such an arch support for the foot or special orthopedic insoles with a heel shock absorber.

Arch support supports the arch of the foot in an anatomically correct position, and the insoles relieve pressure on the heel.

Strasbourg sock also has an excellent effect in healing inflamed fascia. This orthopedic device, worn during sleep, allows the connective tissues of the heel to quickly recover from damage.

All these orthopedic devices greatly increase the effectiveness of medications, allowing you to recover from inflammation of the fascia quickly and permanently.

Comprehensive treatment of heel spurs (plantar fasciitis) at home

The most effective non-surgical treatment of plantar fasciitis today is stretching the heel fascia with the help of special devices and exercises, combined with full unloading of the foot. Such an integrated approach gives excellent results and helps to eliminate pain, relieve inflammation of the heel tubercle.

When the plantar fascia is stretched, microtraumas are healed, the functions of the foot ligaments are restored. Salt deposits no longer accumulate around the damaged fascia, forming a heel spur. The growth stops growing and eventually disappears completely. Regular stretching of the fasciae of the foot helps to completely get rid of the spur, eliminates pain, and improves the quality of life.

All products for effective stretching of the fascia at home are combined in a unique kit for the heel spur ORTGUT FASCIUM.

The kit includes:

1. A night splint for a heel spur (orthosis) fixes the leg at an angle of 90 degrees with the maximum stretched fascia, eliminates morning “starting” pain.
2. Plantar fascia training band improves flexibility and elasticity of the ligaments in the foot.
3. Arch support for walking, effectively protecting the heel from stress and impact. Used during the day with shoes or on bare feet.
4. Massage ball for gymnastics with a heel spur strengthens the muscles of the foot, helps to relax after physical exertion, and normalizes blood circulation.

ORTGUT FASCIUM kit for plantar fasciitis helps to eliminate pain, normalizes gait, restores motor activity without surgery. Regular use of products from the kit helps to completely get rid of plantar fasciitis and prevent recurrence.

You can learn more about the kit, order it with delivery to any region of Russia by clicking on the link.

How to get rid of a heel spur? Products to help regain a confident gait

Heel spurs, the medical name for which is fasciitis, is not at all a rare disease. The very first and most striking symptom of it is the impossibility of full support on the heel. With a heel spur, a person avoids stepping not only on the heel, but also on the foot, because this simple action is followed by severe pain.

Who gets a heel spur and why?

Heel spurs are most likely to develop in overweight and elderly people. The disease can develop with metabolic disorders, flat feet, problems with the spine. Prolonged overstrain of the ligaments of the foot also contributes to the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms.

A heel spur is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the sheath that covers the tendon where it attaches to the bone. For some time, it serves as a shock-absorbing pillow, and then becomes thinner, tears appear on it, which leads to the development of inflammation and pain. The very beginning of inflammation is when a person cannot step on the heel.

How to get rid of a heel spur?

Pharmacy products

The action of pharmaceutical products is aimed at reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Their regular use leads to the regeneration of affected tissues. The doctor will help you choose the drug.

Medicines used for heel spurs contain the active substance in a concentration sufficient to provide a therapeutic effect. They have passed clinical studies and have been recognized by experts as not only effective, but also safe.

– Cream Pyatkashpor. Its composition includes medical bile – a substance that is actively used in diseases of bone and cartilage tissue. When used correctly, it is capable of:

– stop inflammation;

– reduce pain;

– reduce swelling;

– get rid of seals.

A powerful “cocktail” of medical bile, caffeine, palm oil, raspberry extract and essential oils (cloves, lavender, mint) is used to restore foot mobility and performance in a short time.

The components in the cream help to improve blood microcirculation, get rid of tension in the feet and other symptoms of the disease that cause discomfort and disrupt habitual physical activity.

– Dimexide. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, is valued for its ability to increase the permeability of the skin, mucous membranes, etc., for medicines. In other words, Dimexide greatly enhances the effect of other drugs.

The drug is produced in the form of a solution containing the highest possible concentration of the active substance and a gel, in which the main active ingredient is 4 times less.

Dimexide gel differs from the solution in the presence of excipients in the composition. It is contained in a compact and practical metal tube, which is convenient to use at home and on the go.

A concentrated solution is more suitable for home use, as it is mainly used for compresses.

Heel pads

An excellent tool for the prevention of heel spurs is the Comforma heel pad. It consists of silicone of different densities – an extremely soft and pleasant to the touch material that will not cause irritation even on very sensitive skin. The neutrality of silicone allows the use of an orthopedic product even for people with “diabetic foot” syndrome.

The Comforma heel pad dampens the vibrations that occur when walking and running, thereby reducing the load on the heel and ankle joint. And a special side prevents the foot from shifting, holding it in the correct position. As a result of the application, the pain caused by the heel spur will decrease, and fatigue when walking will decrease. You can wear an orthopedic liner for as long as you like.

In the PHARMECONOM online pharmacy, Comforma heel pads are available in sizes S, M and L for feet, with shoe sizes 34-37, 38-42 and 43-45, respectively.

An excellent choice for those who need such orthopedic products, but do not want to pick them up in size, will be universal heel pads. They can be used both for heel spurs, and for corns, corns, cracks. Wearing them during long walks, you will protect your feet from chafing, and your ankle from shock loads.

There are also other products in the Comfort line of the manufacturer, for example, polyurethane heel pads. They are covered with artificial leather – a pleasant to the touch, durable and wear-resistant material with a porous structure that prevents the foot from sweating.

Polyurethane insoles solve the same problems as silicone insoles – they help get rid of discomfort during long walking and help reduce pain from heel spurs. The smallest product is designed for 35-38 foot size (according to shoes), followed by 39-42 and the largest – 43-46.

Not to mention the shock-absorbing Talus heel pads. Doctors recommend this simple yet effective orthopedic product for:

– central heel spur;

– any pain in the heel area;

– arthrosis and arthritis of the ankle joint.

Heel pads help to reduce the load on the spine and joints of the legs. Their constant wearing will protect the heels of the shoes from wear. In the PHARMECONOM online pharmacy you will find Talus products for almost any foot size: 35-37, 38-40, 41-43 and 44-46 and you can book them in a couple of clicks.

Products are made of genuine leather, which means that the skin of the feet will “breathe” and not sting. Manufacturers have supplied the heel pads with an adhesive layer, thanks to which they are easy to fix in shoes and they will not move even when the shoes are worn for a long time.

What else can be done to get rid of a heel spur?

Pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of fasciitis and the wearing of special orthopedic products can be supplemented with simple gymnastics. The most useful exercises are:

– With plastic bottle

Take a 1.5-2 liter plastic bottle, fill it with water and freeze it. Take off your shoes and roll the bottle back and forth with your bare feet. During exercise, vasoconstriction and inflammation decrease.