What are bone spurs in the foot. How do they develop. What symptoms do they cause. How are bone spurs diagnosed. What treatment options are available for foot bone spurs. Can bone spurs be prevented. What is the long-term outlook for people with bone spurs.

Understanding Bone Spurs: Definition and Formation

Bone spurs, medically known as osteophytes, are smooth, bony protrusions that develop on existing bones over extended periods. These growths commonly occur near joints where two or more bones meet. But what exactly are bone spurs, and how do they form?

Bone spurs are the body’s natural response to joint damage or stress. As the body attempts to repair worn-down cartilage, it creates new bone material, resulting in these bony growths. While they can develop on any bone, certain areas are more prone to spur formation.

Common Locations for Bone Spurs

• Foot (heel, big toe, and ankle)
• Hand or finger
• Hip
• Knee
• Neck
• Shoulder
• Spine

Who is most susceptible to developing bone spurs? While they can affect individuals of any age, bone spurs are more prevalent in people aged 60 and older. Additionally, those with osteoarthritis (OA) have a significantly higher risk of developing these bony growths.

Causes and Risk Factors of Foot Bone Spurs

Understanding the underlying causes of bone spurs is crucial for effective prevention and management. What are the primary factors contributing to the development of bone spurs in the foot?

Osteoarthritis: The Primary Culprit

The most significant cause of bone spurs is joint damage resulting from osteoarthritis. This common form of “wear and tear” arthritis occurs when the cartilage cushioning the bones deteriorates over time. As the body attempts to repair the damaged cartilage, it produces excess bone material, leading to spur formation.

Other Contributing Factors

• Aging
• Sports injuries
• Ankylosing spondylitis (a rare form of arthritis affecting the spine)
• Repetitive stress on joints
• Obesity
• Poor posture
• Ill-fitting footwear

Are there any lifestyle factors that increase the risk of developing bone spurs? Indeed, certain habits and conditions can contribute to the formation of bone spurs. Maintaining a healthy weight, wearing proper footwear, and practicing good posture can help reduce the risk of developing these bony growths.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Foot Bone Spurs

Identifying the symptoms of bone spurs is essential for early detection and treatment. However, it’s important to note that not all bone spurs cause noticeable symptoms. When do bone spurs typically become symptomatic?

Bone spurs often start causing discomfort when they:

• Exert pressure on nearby nerves
• Limit joint movement
• Rub against other bones or tissues

Common Symptoms of Foot Bone Spurs

When bone spurs in the foot become symptomatic, individuals may experience:

1. Pain near the affected joint, particularly in the heel
2. Reduced range of motion in the foot or ankle
3. Stiffness when moving the affected area
4. Numbness or weakness in the foot
5. Visible bumps or knobby areas on the foot
6. Swelling of nearby tendons (tendinitis)
7. In severe cases, tendon tears

How can one differentiate between bone spur pain and other foot conditions? While the symptoms of bone spurs can be similar to other foot ailments, persistent pain, stiffness, and visible bony growths are key indicators. A proper medical evaluation is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic Approaches for Foot Bone Spurs

Accurate diagnosis of bone spurs is crucial for effective treatment. How do healthcare providers diagnose bone spurs in the foot?

The Diagnostic Process

1. Medical history review: Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and family medical history.
2. Physical examination: This involves assessing the affected area for pain, swelling, and range of motion.
3. Pain assessment: You may be asked to rate your discomfort level.
4. Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be ordered to visualize the bone spurs and assess any damage to surrounding tissues.

What specific information do different imaging tests provide? X-rays are typically the first choice for identifying bone spurs and signs of arthritis. CT scans and MRIs offer more detailed images, allowing doctors to evaluate soft tissue damage and the extent of joint inflammation.

Treatment Options for Foot Bone Spurs

The treatment of foot bone spurs aims to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. What are the available treatment options for individuals suffering from bone spurs in the foot?

Conservative Treatment Approaches

• Rest and activity modification
• Ice therapy to reduce swelling
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen or NSAIDs)
• Supportive footwear or orthotic inserts
• Weight loss to decrease joint stress
• Physical therapy and targeted exercises

Medical Interventions

When conservative measures prove insufficient, healthcare providers may recommend:

• Prescription pain medications
• Corticosteroid injections
• Advanced physical therapy techniques

Surgical Options

In cases where symptoms persist after a year of conservative treatment, surgery may be considered to remove the bone spurs. How effective is surgical intervention for bone spurs? While surgery can provide relief, it’s important to note that bone spurs may develop in other areas over time.

Preventing Foot Bone Spurs: Lifestyle Modifications

While it’s not always possible to prevent bone spurs entirely, certain lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of their development. What steps can individuals take to minimize their chances of developing foot bone spurs?

Preventive Measures

1. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints
2. Engage in regular, low-impact exercise to improve joint flexibility and strength
3. Wear properly fitting, supportive shoes
4. Practice good posture and ergonomics
5. Use safe exercise techniques and avoid overexertion
6. Consume a balanced, nutritious diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
7. Stretch regularly to maintain joint flexibility

How significant is the role of proper footwear in preventing foot bone spurs? Wearing shoes that provide adequate support and fit well is crucial in reducing unnecessary stress on the feet and ankles, thereby lowering the risk of bone spur formation.

Long-Term Outlook and Management of Foot Bone Spurs

Understanding the long-term prognosis for individuals with foot bone spurs is essential for effective management. What can patients expect in terms of the duration and recurrence of bone spurs?

Prognosis and Duration

Bone spurs are permanent bony growths that do not disappear on their own. Without surgical intervention, they remain present. However, many individuals can effectively manage their symptoms through conservative treatments and lifestyle modifications.

Recurrence and Ongoing Management

While surgically removed bone spurs typically don’t grow back in the same location, new spurs may develop in other areas of the body. This emphasizes the importance of ongoing preventive measures and regular medical check-ups.

Living with Bone Spurs

For individuals diagnosed with foot bone spurs, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is crucial. How can one stay active while managing bone spur symptoms?

• Choose low-impact activities like swimming or cycling
• Modify exercises to avoid aggravating the affected area
• Use supportive footwear during physical activities
• Apply ice after activity to reduce inflammation
• Maintain a healthy weight to minimize joint stress
• Consult with a physical therapist for tailored exercise recommendations

When should individuals seek medical attention for bone spur symptoms? It’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider if pain becomes severe, persistent, or interferes with daily activities. Early intervention can prevent the progression of symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Advancements in Bone Spur Treatment and Research

As medical science progresses, new approaches to treating and managing foot bone spurs continue to emerge. What recent advancements have been made in the field of bone spur treatment?

Innovative Treatment Approaches

• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT): This non-invasive treatment uses shock waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: This therapy utilizes the patient’s own blood components to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques: These procedures offer shorter recovery times and reduced risk compared to traditional open surgery.
• Advanced imaging technologies: Improved diagnostic tools allow for more precise identification and treatment of bone spurs.

Ongoing Research and Future Prospects

Researchers continue to explore new avenues for bone spur treatment and prevention. Areas of ongoing study include:

1. Gene therapy to target the underlying causes of bone spur formation
2. Regenerative medicine approaches to repair damaged cartilage
3. Novel drug therapies to prevent or slow the growth of bone spurs
4. Advanced materials for more effective orthotic devices

How might these advancements impact the future of bone spur treatment? As research progresses, patients may have access to more targeted, less invasive treatments that not only address symptoms but also tackle the root causes of bone spur formation.

Holistic Approaches to Managing Foot Bone Spurs

In addition to conventional medical treatments, many individuals explore holistic approaches to manage foot bone spurs. What complementary therapies show promise in alleviating bone spur symptoms?

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

• Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique may help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Massage therapy: Targeted massage can improve circulation and reduce muscle tension around affected joints.
• Herbal supplements: Certain herbs with anti-inflammatory properties may offer symptom relief.
• Yoga and stretching: Gentle yoga practices can improve flexibility and reduce joint stress.
• Mindfulness and meditation: These techniques can help manage pain perception and reduce stress.

How effective are these holistic approaches in managing bone spur symptoms? While scientific evidence varies, many patients report improved quality of life and reduced symptoms when incorporating these therapies into their treatment plan. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.

Nutritional Considerations

Diet can play a significant role in managing inflammation and supporting bone health. What dietary changes may benefit individuals with foot bone spurs?

1. Increase intake of anti-inflammatory foods (e.g., fatty fish, berries, leafy greens)
2. Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake for bone health
3. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation
4. Limit processed foods and sugars that may contribute to inflammation
5. Stay hydrated to support overall joint health

Can dietary changes alone prevent or treat bone spurs? While nutrition plays a supportive role, it’s most effective when combined with other treatment approaches and lifestyle modifications.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Foot Pain

Living with the chronic pain and mobility limitations associated with foot bone spurs can have significant psychological effects. How does chronic foot pain impact mental health and overall well-being?

Emotional and Psychological Challenges

• Depression and anxiety related to chronic pain
• Frustration due to limited mobility
• Social isolation from reduced participation in activities
• Sleep disturbances leading to fatigue and mood changes
• Decreased self-esteem and body image issues

What strategies can help individuals cope with the psychological impact of chronic foot pain? Developing a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical and mental well-being is crucial:

1. Seek support from mental health professionals
2. Join support groups for individuals with chronic pain
3. Practice stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing
4. Engage in enjoyable activities that don’t exacerbate symptoms
5. Maintain social connections and communicate openly about challenges
6. Set realistic goals and celebrate small victories in pain management

How important is a multidisciplinary approach in managing foot bone spurs? Addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of chronic foot pain can lead to improved overall outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with bone spurs.

Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

What is a bone spur?

A bone spur, also called an osteophyte, is a smooth, bony lump that grows off a bone. Bone spurs develop over long periods of time, usually near joints (where two or more bones meet).

Who gets bone spurs?

Bone spurs are most common in people 60 years or older, but younger people can get them, too. People with osteoarthritis (OA) are much more likely to get bone spurs. OA is a common form of “wear and tear” arthritis that happens when cartilage, which cushions your bones, wears down.

Where can bone spurs grow?

Although they can grow from any bone, osteophytes are particularly common in the:

• Foot, especially the heel (heel spurs or calcaneal spurs), big toe and ankle.
• Hand or finger.
• Hip.
• Knee.
• Neck.
• Shoulder.
• Spine.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes bone spurs?

Joint damage from OA is the biggest cause of bone spurs. OA is a breakdown of cartilage — the firm, flexible tissue that cushions bones and allows joints to move more easily. OA develops as we age or after damage (like a sports injury).

As the body tries to repair cartilage, it creates new bone material. These new bony growths are osteophytes.

Ankylosing spondylitis also may cause bone spurs. This rare arthritis causes spinal inflammation. Over time, ankylosing spondylitis fuses, or connects, the small bones in the spine (vertebrae). The body responds by forming spinal osteophytes.

What are symptoms of bone spurs?

Some people have bone spurs and don’t even know it. Spurs start to create symptoms when they:

• Put pressure on nearby nerves.
• Restrict movement.
• Rub against other bones or tissues.

When that happens, you may feel some:

• Knobby or bumpy areas, especially in the fingers or toes.
• Numbness and weakness, especially in the legs if the spine has spurs.
• Pain near the affected joint, like heel pain.
• Reduced range of motion (how far the joint moves).
• Stiffness.
• Tendinitis (swelling of a nearby tendon).
• Tendon tears (like a rotator cuff tear in the shoulder).

Diagnosis and Tests

How are bone spurs diagnosed?

Without symptoms, you may accidentally discover a bone spur during an X-ray or other test for a different condition.

If you report pain, stiffness and loss of motion to your healthcare provider, he or she will:

• Ask you to describe your symptoms.
• Ask about your medical history and family’s medical history.
• Ask you to rate your discomfort.
• Perform a physical examination.
• Test your joint’s range of motion and strength.
• Order imaging tests, like X-rays to look for arthritis and spurs or CT scans or MRIs to identify damaged ligaments or tendons.

Management and Treatment

When should I talk to my healthcare provider?

If you have bone spurs without symptoms, you don’t need treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop joint pain, stiffness, limited motion or numbness.

How are bone spurs treated?

Some home remedies and lifestyle changes help ease osteophyte symptoms:

• Ice to reduce swelling.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDS like ibuprofen.
• Rest.
• Supportive shoes or shoe inserts.
• Weight loss to decrease joint and bone stress.

If those methods aren’t enough, your healthcare provider can prescribe:

• Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches can reduce pain, improve range of motion and strengthen muscles around joints.
• Prescription pain medications: If over-the-counter pain medicines don’t provide relief, your healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger option or cortisone shot.
• Surgery: If symptoms continue after a year of treatment, surgery can remove the bone spurs.

Prevention

How can I reduce my risk of bone spurs?

There is no certain way to prevent bone spurs. But you can reduce your chance of developing them by following a healthy lifestyle:

• Be physically fit.
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce extra stress on bones and joints.
• Maintain good posture and ergonomics (proper positioning at your desk).
• Prevent joint injuries by stretching and using safe exercise techniques. Don’t overdo it.
• Wear well-fitting, supportive shoes.

Outlook / Prognosis

How long do bone spurs last?

Bone spurs don’t go away unless you have surgery to remove them.

Do bone spurs grow back?

Although bone spurs don’t usually grow back after surgery, more may develop elsewhere in your body.

Living With

What can I do for pain and stiffness from bone spurs?

You can relieve pain and stiffness from bone spurs with rest, ice and over-the counter-medications. Properly fitting shoes and weight loss also reduce joint stress. If symptoms become severe or unmanageable, call your healthcare provider.

Should I avoid activity?

Even with bone spurs, try to stay active and healthy. Avoid activities and movements that hurt. Choose low-impact activities, like walking instead of running.

When you exercise, take steps to minimize joint damage: Make sure you have good footwear, concentrate on proper techniques, and always warm up and stretch.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Bone spurs may cause no symptoms at all or may drastically affect your day-to-day life. Home remedies and lifestyle choices can help you delay or ease symptoms. If you can’t control your pain or other symptoms on your own, ask your healthcare provider about additional strategies.

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are very common, and fortunately, most are not painful. In fact, many people have bone spurs and don’t know it until they appear on an X-ray.

Bone spurs are tiny bony projections that develop in joints in response to heavy pressure or stress. The spur is your body reacting to the pressure by building up extra bone for protection. Bone spurs tend to be worsened by arthritis because they can develop in joints where cartilage is lost over time. They can also develop due to increased pressure on the joints due to muscle imbalances, muscle tightness, rigorous activity, being overweight and even from inadequate shoes. Conditions like plantar fasciitis can cause spurs to form in your heel when the body tries to heal itself from the tightened plantar fascia muscle. Bone spurs can develop in your foot, knee, hip, shoulder, fingers and even your spine.

Some bone spurs can be extremely painful and even limit the mobility of the joint and affect your daily life.

The good news is that early treatment can help prevent or slow further damage. If you are experiencing joint pain that may be the result of a bone spur, schedule a consult with an orthopaedic specialist who can evaluate your condition and make recommendations. Piedmont physicians offer a variety of different solutions for your unique goals and lifestyle. Most cases of bone spurs are treated with a mix of non-surgical methods such as rest, NSAIDs, targeted stretching and exercises, orthotics or padding, and sometimes injections. Particularly bad cases may need to be surgically removed.

Minimally Invasive Bone Spur Removal – Toe 

Toe bone spur removal is a quick procedure that may be performed in the doctor’s office or in the hospital.

Each patient experience is unique, here is a general idea of what you can expect with a :

Incision

After an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area, a small incision is made over the spur.

Spur Removal

The spur is removed with a rasp or power burr.

Additional Treatment

Depending on where the spur is or the presence of other conditions, additional treatment may be required.

Toenail Removal

If the spur is on the outside of the toe near the nail, a small portion of the toenail may have to be removed.

Tendon Release

If the toe on which the spur is located has a curvature, that curvature may have caused the spur. An additional incision may be needed to cut, or release, the tendon attached to the bottom of the toe. This relieves the inward pull on the toe.

Bone Removal

When the spur is on the inside of the fifth toe, there may be a corn between the fourth and fifth toes. If so, the top of the bone is cut and removed to prevent the toes from rubbing against each other.

End of Procedure/After Care

The incision is closed with one or two stitches and covered with a small bandage. The patient can walk immediately, wearing a post-operative or wide-fitting shoe.

 © 2010 Swarm Interactive

Learn more

To learn more about your condition, schedule a consult with one of our foot and ankle specialists. Click here or give us a call at (478) 474-2114 to get started.

Bone Spur

US Pharm. 2011;36(10):17-18.

Osteophyte

A bone spur is a small bony growth that forms on the edge of normal bone. In many cases, this tiny fragment of extra bone is the body’s response to local inflammation of a ligament or tendon. Bone spurs are often traced to inflammation from an injury or a condition that results in chronic inflammation, such as osteoarthritis. The most common locations for formation of a bone spur are the spine, the heel of the foot, and any joint space.

Symptoms are caused by the tiny piece of bone pressing on nerves in the area. As a result, the type of symptoms experienced depends upon where the spur is situated. Bone spurs generally cause some type of pain, either at the location of the spur or in areas affected by the nerves involved. Other symptoms include numbness, swelling, tingling, and weakness of the involved joint. Sometimes, however, a bone spur causes no symptoms and is discovered only upon x-ray, MRI, or CT scan for another condition.

Treatment of a bone spur is necessary only if the spur is causing symptoms. Rest and application of an ice pack sometimes help relieve pain and inflammation. In many cases, these symptoms also may be relieved by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen. If these methods are not successful, the use of oral or injectable corticosteroids is appropriate. If a bone spur continues to cause pain and inflammation after these medications are used, surgery to remove the bone fragment may be indicated.

These Bony Growths Are Typically the Result of Inflammation

Bone spurs, small fragments of bone that form along the edge of existing bone, can form in healthy people as they age; usually, however, they are caused by inflammation from an injury or by an inflammatory disease such as osteoarthritis.

Development and Symptoms

The formation of new bone is stimulated by an injury that causes inflammation of a tendon or ligament, both of which serve as connective tissue to bone. The heel of the foot is especially subject to forming bone spurs; these are known as heel spurs. The bony spikes form where the connective tissue meets the heel bone. Bone spurs also may be found around inflamed ligaments in the spine that support the vertebrae. These tiny pieces of bone can cause a great deal of pressure and pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back. Joints are another common location for the formation of bone spurs. Joints frequently affected include those in the shoulder, knee, or even finger.

Osteoarthritis is another common cause of bone spurs. As a joint affected by osteoarthritis begins to deteriorate, a bony growth forms on the edge of the bone in the joint to help keep the joint stable.

A bone spur is painless in itself, but it can cause pain and other symptoms by pressing on or irritating surrounding tissues or limiting joint movement. A bone spur can break off from the surrounding bone and float in nearby tissue or inside a joint, compounding the problem by locking the joint and worsening symptoms.

Making the Diagnosis

Often, a bone spur is found upon x-ray or other imaging tests performed to determine the cause of symptoms unrelated to the spur. It may have formed as a result of past injuries and inflammation in the area, but went unnoticed. In most cases, bone spurs that do not cause symptoms do not require treatment.

Diagnosis is made based on information from the patient’s symptom history and a physical examination of the affected area. X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and myelograms are used to confirm the presence of a bone spur.

How Bone Spurs Are Treated

A bone spur that is causing symptoms needs to be treated. In a joint that sustains a great deal of motion, such as the shoulder or knee, full use of the joint may be limited because of the pain and restricted motion caused by the spur. In joints such as those in the neck or spine, a bone spur can press on nerves and surrounding tissue, resulting in trouble swallowing, breathing problems, numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness.

Rest and the application of cold packs can be useful for relieving symptoms caused by bone spurs. Anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat these symptoms include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen or naproxen) and corticosteroids given either orally or by injection into the affected area. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and continued injury to the joint or affected area. Physical therapy and mechanical devices such as shoe orthotics that are designed to lessen the constant irritation from the spur may be helpful. If these methods are not successful, surgical removal of the spur is indicated, depending upon the location.

If you have questions about medications used to treat the pain and inflammation associated with bone spurs, your pharmacist can help.

How Long Do Heel Spurs Last?

Although we treat all manner of pain, infections, and injuries in and around the feet and ankles, heel pain is no doubt the most frequent complaint we deal with.

So it’s not too rare for us to hear a question like, “How long will these heel spurs last, doctor? When are they going to go away?”

Well, here’s the honest answer:

Heel spurs last forever. Unless we remove them surgically, they will never go away.

We know—that sounds bad. But before you freak out, there are a few other important things you should know. And the most important one is this: just because you have a heel spur doesn’t mean that the heel spur is causing pain. Do not hesitate to contact us if you are experiencing pain from heel spurs.

Still confused? Let’s break it down.

A Normal Response to Trauma

So at this point, we should talk about why heel spurs happen in the first place. The short answer is that it’s a secondary biological response to soft tissue trauma that isn’t healing.

In the vast majority of cases, you don’t get heel spurs unless you have a bad case of plantar fasciitis first. In this condition—which is the actual most common cause of heel pain—the strong plantar fascia ligament on the bottom of the foot becomes overstressed, overstretched, and inflamed. This causes it to “pull away” from the point where it attaches to the bottom of the heel bone, leaving a “gap.”

Your body’s attempt to fix this problem is, essentially, to create new bone. Hard deposits of calcium get left on the surface of the heel bone, filling in the space where the fascia used to be. If your plantar fasciitis is untreated for a long period of time, the spur could reach half an inch in length or more!

A Permanent Addition—But Not Necessarily a Permanent Problem

So what happens to that heel spur once the plantar fasciitis finally goes away? Nothing, that’s what. That bony tissue isn’t simply going to break down or dissolve away. It’s there to stay.

But here’s the thing:

Once that plantar fasciitis is gone, the heel spur that remains usually doesn’t cause any problems. In, fact, most heel spurs are themselves totally painless. Unless the spur is pressing on a particularly sensitive nerve or tissue, you shouldn’t really feel it at all.

And because plantar fasciitis is so common—and heel spurs are so commonly linked with it—a lot more people have heel spurs than you might think. By some estimates, as many as 40 percent of the general population have them—and in most cases have had them for years.

We can attest to this fact: a lot of times, heel spurs will show up on X-rays when we’re running diagnostics for completely unrelated issues, like bunions or stress fractures. Often these people do not have any heel pain symptoms whatsoever.

But What About When They Do Cause Pain?

As we said, if you come to our office with heel pain along the underside of your foot, it’s most likely going to be plantar fasciitis, or possibly something like stress fractures or a pinched nerve. And we’ll put you on a treatment plan.

Most of the time, the conservative treatment methods we recommend are going to provide the relief that you need, even if the heel spur itself is contributing at least partially to your symptoms. Custom orthotics, for example, may be an excellent treatment option for both fasciitis and spurs.

That said, it is still possible that the spur may be causing some pain that conservative treatments can’t alleviate, even once the plantar fasciitis is gone. It’s rare, but it does happen.

If this is the case, surgery may be considered. There are a couple of options, including releasing part of the plantar fascia that may be rubbing painfully against the spur, or even removing the spur itself. We’ll carefully consider the best course of action for your situation and discuss all your options with you in detail.

But again, this is very rarely necessarily. Conservative treatments are effective well over 90 percent of the time.

Either way, though, you’re going to want to get a thorough evaluation as soon as you can, whenever you notice heel pain symptoms starting to impact your daily life. The earlier you deal with heel pain, the better. Not only does it mean you won’t be hurting for as long, but it also means that conservative treatments are more likely to work. You may be able to avoid the development of a spur in the first place, or at least limit its size.

To schedule an appointment with the Community Foot Clinic of McPherson, give us a call today at (620) 241-3313.

Bone Spurs Treatment | Centers of Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Bone spurs, or oseophytes, are bony outgrowths that protrude along the edges of bones.

Oseophytes can develop anywhere in the body, though many form in joints or near areas where ligaments or tendons attach to the bone.

Often, the extra bone goes completely unnoticed. In fact, many people have spurs and do not even know it, because they have no symptoms. In some cases, however, this condition can cause chronic pain and loss of mobility.

Treatment is only required for oseophytes that are causing symptoms. Fortunately, several options can help provide relief.

Treating the Symptoms of Bone Spurs

Initially, treatment for an oseophyte is directed at relieving pain and inflammation, which can help restore mobility.

Resting and icing the affected area is generally recommended, along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. If pain persists, your doctor or orthopedic surgeon may suggest a corticosteroid injection near the spur.

If the spur is on your foot, you may be advised to put a padded shoe insert or heel cup in your shoe, or wear different shoes. Spurs in the feet can cause corns and calluses, but choosing appropriate footwear can help.

Treating the Cause of Bone Spurs

Most oseophytes are the result of joint damage from osteoarthritis, though many are also caused by plantar fasciitis. Your doctor may consider conservative measures aimed at the cause of the condition first, as treating the cause can help alleviate symptoms.

Your orthopedic surgeon may advise weight loss to take some pressure off of the joints or plantar fascia. Losing even a small amount of weight can decrease stress and relieve pain. Physical therapy, stretching exercises and massage are other treatments that may be helpful.

Surgically Removing Bone Spurs

Oseophytes that irritate nerves, tendons or ligaments can be treated surgically; however, this option is usually considered only after less invasive measures have proven ineffective.

Spur removal surgery may be done as part of another surgical procedure, such as comprehensive joint repair.

In some cases, spur removal must be performed as an open surgical procedure, requiring a large incision. But, whenever possible, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery is used instead, as this generally results in faster recovery and less trauma to the surrounding tissue.

The experienced medical professionals of Steward Health Care: Centers of Orthopedic & Sports Medicine in West Jordan, Utah, offer a range of treatment options for oseophytes. Contact us today to schedule a consultation if you have painful bone spurs.

Dr. Peterson is board-certified in Family Medicine, as well as in non-surgical Sports Medicine. He has served as a team physician for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and for Heritage High School in Arkansas. He is also fluent in Spanish.

Bone Spurs • Stockdale Podiatry Group • Bakersfield, CA

Bone Spurs

Bone Spurs

A bone spur is a boney growth along the edges of normal bones. While bone spurs themselves aren’t painful, they can cause discomfort to the overlying skin if they rub up against nerves, ligaments, tendons or nearby bones. Although bone spurs can form on any bone, they usually form in the joints where bones meet. Therefore, they are commonly found in the joints of the feet and are often the result of an underlying condition such as arthritis. Bone spurs can become painful due to the rubbing of shoes or from the pressure of walking. Please visit one of our Podiatry offices in Beverly Hills, Encino, Thousand Oaks, Valencia, Pasadena, Long Beach and Oxnard. Interestingly, bone spurs form as the bone in the body tries to repair itself from excessive pressure, rubbing or stress over time. Many people have bone spurs and do not know it or they are discovered during an X-Ray from another condition. While many people experience no pain from their bone spurs, other people experience discomfort. Below are common symptoms of bone spurs in the feet:

• Corns and calluses
• Pain and swelling

If your bone spurs are not causing you pain, then no treatment is needed. However, if your bone spurs are causing pain and discomfort, then treatment options may include: weight loss-to take some of the pressure off the joints in the foot; stretching the foot; surgical removal; deep tissue massage, change of footwear; corticosteroid injections; and treatment of calluses and corns. It is important to consult with your podiatrist if you have foot pain. Please visit one of our Podiatry offices in Beverly Hills, Encino, Thousand Oaks, Valencia, Pasadena, Long Beach and Oxnard. Your podiatrist will provide treatment based up the causes and symptoms of your bone spurs. Please visit one of our Podiatry offices in Beverly Hills, Encino, Thousand Oaks, Valencia, Pasadena, Long Beach and Oxnard.

How to Treat Bone Spurs The Natural Way

When most people hear the word “spur,” it’s hard to imagine anything other than a dusty John Wayne sauntering into town, white hat on and heels clicking. The everyday reality, however, is far more mundane and has much more to do with bones than chaps.

Bone spurs are a relatively common condition that, more often than not, require no medical intervention. Bone spurs normally occur as a consequence of aging. However, there are lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and certain situational injuries, that cause bone spurs to occur earlier in life — and sometimes in a painful way. By understanding what bone spurs are, you can make healthy lifestyle choices that not only prevent them but will keep you sauntering as well as any chap-clad cowboy.

What is a Bone Spur?

Bone spurs, medically known as osteophytes, are bony growths that form along the edges of bones, particularly the edges of joints. That sounds painful, but bone spurs generally aren’t sharp like their name implies.

In fact, they can develop on any bone without signs or symptoms and often go undetected for years. Many people go through life not knowing that they have one or more bone spurs until they get an X-ray and the spur shows up as an oddity.

What Causes Bone Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis?

Bone spurs are often associated with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that causes cartilage to break down. It is the most common type of arthritis affecting over 27 million Americans. As osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage in joints, your body attempts to repair the loss, or at least shield the bones from the effects of lost cartilage. It does this by creating a build-up of bone along the edges of your existing bones. This generally comes as a response to continued pressure, rubbing, or stress over a long period of time.

Bone spurs can also be caused by other diseases and conditions like:

• Plantar fasciitis — A bone spur in your heel — or “heel spur” — can form where the connective tissue (fascia) connects to your heel bone (calcaneus). It’s one of the most common causes of heel pain and estimated to affect 2 million people in the US.  The spur results from chronic irritation or inflammation of the connective tissue but doesn’t cause the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
• Spondylosis — Also called “arthritis of the neck” occurs when osteoarthritis and bone spurs cause degeneration of the bones in your neck (cervical spondylosis) or your lower back (lumbar spondylosis).
• Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) — Causes bony growths to form on the ligaments of your spine. DISH is relatively common and occurs in 10% of the population over the age of 50.
• Spinal stenosis — Bone spurs can contribute to a narrowing of the bones that make up your spine (spinal stenosis), putting pressure on your spinal cord. There is currently no cure for this disease, but improving flexibility and strength by exercising can relieve symptoms and increase overall well-being.

Many older individuals without any diseases may still have bone spurs without being aware of them, as the body creates spurs to add stability to aging joints.

Where Do Bone Spurs Occur?

Working from head to toe, the most common areas for bone spurs to occur are in the cervical vertebrae of the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and heels. They are also common in the spine — adjacent to degenerated discs. That said, bone spurs can occur anywhere on any bone. Depending on what activities a person takes part in during their life, the wrists, hands, and feet are also common spots to develop spurs.

Why those areas?

Bone spurs typically occur when a joint is subject to continued rubbing or stress over a long period of time. With the hips, knees, and heels in mind, these are all areas where layers of cartilage and bone meet and are subject to frequent and repetitive movement and pressure. The cartilage and bones rub, wearing away at the cartilage over time. In response, the area becomes inflamed and new bone forms. This is the bone’s solution to the stress around it.

Risk Factors for Bone Spurs

For the most part, the risk factors for developing bone spurs are the same as for any other health condition: genetics, age, weight, lifestyle, physical activity, and health conditions over a lifetime.

Most common risk factors for bone spurs:

• Age — For the most part, it’s a lifetime of wear and tear  — and our genetics — that ultimately leads to bone spurs.
• Genetics — Some individuals have a genetic disposition towards developing bones spurs, particularly when other conditions such as osteoarthritis are factored in. Also, genetics can play a role in the body’s ability to absorb calcium, which in turn can increase the risk of bone spurs.
• Injuries — Injury to a bone and/or joint can prompt the body to create bone spurs as part of the healing process. This goes for acute, one-off injuries like a broken bone, as well as ongoing strain, like wearing unsupportive footwear. Unsupportive footwear can result in an increased impact to the feet, knees, and hips with every step.
• Lifestyle — Work, sports, and even transportation encourage the formation of bone spurs. Additionally, life choices such as smoking can impact your likelihood of developing bone spurs.
• Medical Conditions — Certain medical conditions like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and spinal stenosis all influence the potential formation of bone spurs.
• Nutrition — Nutrition has a powerful impact on overall health, including the skeleton. Inadequate calcium and other bone-building minerals put your bones at risk for osteoporosis, fractures, and bone spurs. Diets high in salt, phosphorus, or other competing minerals — while low in calcium — can have the same effect. On the other hand, too much calcium paired with low intake of the nutrients needed to absorb and use calcium can lead to bone spurs. That’s why we recommend a natural balance of nutrients (and calcium) in the right proportion for your bones. There’s only one known plant source on earth that is clinically proven and provides this balance.
• Posture — Poor posture over a lifetime can place undue pressure on joints. These fatigued joints can then develop bone spurs as compensation for the uneven pressure placed on them.
• Weight — Excess weight puts strain on bones and joints. It significantly increases the impact sustained by the joints during motion. This is why it’s important to strike a balance between healthy diet, lifestyle, and physical activity if you choose to lose weight. A variety of activities will serve you better for overall weight loss and decrease the strain associated with repetitive motion.

Symptoms of Bone Spurs

Many times, bone spurs do not have any symptoms, so they’re most often found when being examined for another condition like arthritis. If you suffer from joint pain, numbness, restricted movement, and/or extreme tenderness in a certain area — and your physician believes it may be bone spurs — you will then be given an x-ray, CT, or MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis.

From there, you and your healthcare provider can select the best bone spur treatment depending on the location and severity of the spur, and any other contributing variables specific to your condition. Keep in mind, it’s not the actual bone spur that hurts, but rather the surrounding tissue. Asymptomatic bone spurs — spurs with no pain or inflammation — are rarely treated.

Heel spurs are the most common type of bone spur because of their location. After all, feet are the workhorses of the body and it can be hard to give them enough time to rest and heal. Heel spurs typically develop due to repeated impact. Excess weight, uneven walking, and ill-fitting shoes can all contribute to heel spurs.

Among others, a few signs you may have a heel spur include:

• Pain on the bottom of your foot when walking or standing
• Inflammation
• Swelling
• And in many cases, plantar fasciitis.

When bone spurs show up in spots like the knee or shoulder joint, a sharp, shooting pain can be felt during certain movements. A loss in range of movement can be another sign of a bone spur in those areas, as well as swelling, tingling, and even a notable ‘catch’ when you move the joint.

Bone spurs in the spine may not be as easy to spot; backs are complicated and a variety of things can cause back pain. In the spine, bone spurs typically develop to accommodate the impact and pressure of cartilage breakdown over a lifetime. While that breakdown can be part of the normal aging process, conditions such as degenerative disk disease or spinal stenosis can play a part. Carrying extra weight and high-impact activities can also make an impact over time.

Bone spurs that occur in the spinal column can place pressure on nerves causing tingling in your arms and legs. You may also experience shooting pain, numbness, pain when standing or walking,  digestive issues, and even occasional incontinence.

High-use joints like shoulders and knees are at a higher risk of developing bone spurs. The signs and symptoms vary depending on the cause and location of the bone spur. That being said, pain, restricted movement, inflammation, and stiffness are common.

Bone Spur Diagnosis

As mentioned above, some people go their entire lives without knowing they have a bone spur until it shows up on medical imaging, like an x-ray. If the bone spur is asymptomatic and not affecting the surrounding tissue, the spur won’t require treatment. However, health care providers may make recommendations on lifestyle changes to prevent further spurs from forming.

When symptoms begin to persist, it’s time for your doctor to not only look for bone spurs but assess the cause of the spur as well. To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor might send you for a CT scan, MRI, myelogram, ultrasound, or x-ray.

Your healthcare provider will choose the best testing option for you based on the availability of technology, current signs and symptoms, and your health history. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, you can discuss treatment options.

Conventional Treatment Options

Bone spur treatments can help to manage and relieve the pain that is associated with bone spurs. However, they will not go away on their own. Unlike herniated and bulging discs in the spine for example, that have the ability to heal through the process of resorption, bone spurs are permanent deposits.

Treatment will depend on the location, cause, and severity of your symptoms. Non-invasive treatment options are typically tried first.

It’s not fancy or expensive, but resting what ails you is often the first thing your healthcare provider will recommend. If you continue to aggravate the tissue, it won’t have an opportunity to heal. Taking time to step back from the activities that are hurting the area will not only speed healing but likely ease the pain as well. It will also help you identify which activities may be offending your bone spurs and once you do that, it is recommended to ice the affected area immediately.

When you apply ice to muscles, it reduces blood flow and constricts blood vessels, which will decrease pain, swelling, and inflammation.

In one randomized controlled study, cryoultrasound (a combination of ultrasound and cryotherapy — a therapy using short bouts of subzero temperatures) has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis. One group was given cryoultrasound therapy while the other cryotherapy, both groups reported reduced pain intensity showing early promise as effective treatment options.

Tight muscles are the culprit behind many skeletal issues. Muscles and tendons that are designed to support joints and bones can actually pull them out of proper alignment if they get too tight. Stretching helps release tight muscles and tendons slowly over time, which can also ease pressure related to bone spurs.

Weight loss comes up a lot in the discussion of bone spurs and that’s because excess weight puts more pressure on joints and bones. Over time, this excess pressure breaks down the impact-protecting cartilage in some joints, like the end of the bones in the knees and the cartilage in between each vertebra. In the feet, excess weight puts substantial pressure on all the small bones, shifting them around. It not only causes unnecessary wear and tear on the bones themselves but also the tissues that hold them in place.

When it comes to shedding pounds, for any reason, find a balance between a healthy diet and exercise. Keep your exercises varied, as this not only keeps things interesting and exciting but reduces the risk of causing injury through repetitive motion. Take running for example. Running is not recommended as a weight loss activity for someone with heel spurs, but stretching, swimming, yoga, pilates, and walking are great options. Pair that with a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, and you’ll be feeling fit and trim in no time.

Another temporary bone spur treatment is anti-inflammatory over-the-counter or prescription medications. However, these can cause side effects such as ulcers, bleeding, and even bone loss if used long term. Steroid injections may also be recommended if pain persists. However, side effects can worsen symptoms and there are complications that can result from steroid injections, like a rupture of your plantar fascia.

A number of options may be suggested by your doctor, including anti-inflammatory medications, rest, and natural at-home spur treatments like stretching and ice.

If bone spurs are causing discomfort, treatment could be directed at the causes, symptoms, or the bone spur itself. If the cause of the bone spur is not addressed, removal of the spur will only provide an expensive, invasive, temporary reprieve.

Surgical removal of bone spurs is often the last resort after all natural treatments and non-invasive options have been explored. This option is generally reserved for when the spur begins to limit your range of motion or causes extreme pain.

5 Natural Bone Spur Treatments

Keep in mind, bone spurs don’t always require treatment.

Some bone spurs have no signs, symptoms, or discomfort, while others can be excruciating and greatly impact mobility.

However, there are natural remedies that you can try if you are experiencing discomfort or pain.

Antioxidant-Rich Diet

A healthy diet is crucial for overall health, but also bone spur treatment as they typically develop in areas of inflammation. Antioxidants are compounds that are found in foods that protect your cells from free radical damage and can help reduce inflammation. ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) is a measure of antioxidant content in foods that was initially developed by the National Institute of Aging.The relation between ORAC value and food/supplements and their benefits is still unproven. But researchers theorize that higher ORAC value may be more effective at neutralizing free radicals.

Here are some of the top antioxidant-rich foods by weight:

• Dark Chocolate: 20,816 ORAC score
• Pecans: 17,940 ORAC score
• Elderberries: 14,697 ORAC score
• Wild Blueberries: 9,621 ORAC score
• Kidney Beans: 8,606 ORAC score
• Blackberries: 5,905 ORAC score
• Cilantro: 5,141 ORAC score
• Goji Berries: 4,310 ORAC score

The website Superfoodly has a convenient, regularly updated tool where you can type in the food you’re interested in and you can see its ORAC value.

As you can see, ORAC scores are based on weight. So it may not make sense to eat high amounts of all of these foods above.

And stop adding fuel to the fire by removing proinflammatory foods like added sugar, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats.

Massage and Stretching

In a meta-analysis of 60 studies published in the journal Pain Medicine, massage has been looked at to help relieve various types of pain including headaches, internal pain, fibromyalgia pain, and muscle and bone pain. This systematic review showed that massage therapy relieves pain better than no treatment at all. And when compared to other treatments like physical therapy and acupuncture, massage still proved beneficial with few side effects.

Studies have shown that massage can specifically lower Substance P, which is a neurotransmitter associated with pain.

When it comes to plantar fasciitis, stretching of the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon is considered one of the best treatments. That’s because stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon helps to relieve stress placed on them by tight tendons and tissues surrounding the bone spurs.

Orthotics and Proper Footwear

If the bone spur is in the foot — as in plantar fasciitis — then orthotics, new footwear, and extra cushy insoles may help. Shoes that are too constricting and tight can prevent movement of your tendons and damage the bones in your feet.

Want to share this on your blog? – Copy and paste the code below. <a href=”https://www.algaecal.com/research/bone-spurs/”><img src=”www.algaecal.com/wp-content/uploads/heel-spur-infographic.png ” alt=”5 Natural Bone Spur Treatments Infographic ” border=”0″ /></a></p><a href=”https://www.algaecal.com/research/bone-spurs/”>5 Natural Bone Spur Treatments</a> – An Infographic by the team at <a href=”https://www.algaecal.com/”>AlgaeCal</a>

Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

 Turmeric has been scientifically proven time and time again to reduce inflammation substantially. A compound in turmeric root, known as curcumin, is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties! Curcumin is linked to positive improvements in hundreds of different diseases and conditions and is among the most potent antioxidants on earth. When looking for a quality turmeric supplement, make sure it’s standardized to 95% curcuminoids.

The omega 3 fatty acids EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) also boast anti-inflammatory properties and protect against age-associated cognitive decline, cardiovascular diseases, and bone loss. Triple Power Omega 3 Fish Oil puts the brakes on inflammation and contains clinical doses of turmeric curcumin, omega 3 fatty acids, and an additional potent anti-inflammatory, astaxanthin.

Ginger is one of the most consumed dietary substances in the world! Studies have shown that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties as strong as over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen. When looking for a quality ginger supplement, make sure it’s standardized to 5-6% gingerols and 6% shogoals.

Adequate Vitamin and Mineral Intake

Bone spurs are directly associated with osteoarthritis, the breakdown of the cartilage in joints. Osteoarthritis can be linked to calcium and mineral deficiency and can be treated and prevented with a diet that’s well-rounded with balanced nutrients. So it makes sense that bone spurs can also be treated with a high calcium and mineral diet. As they say, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

Magnesium is an essential mineral used for bone formation and absorbing calcium. Low magnesium has also been linked with higher C-reactive protein (CRP) in the body — an indicator of inflammation. So incorporating magnesium-rich foods like black beans, spinach, and pumpkin seeds will up your dietary intake. Vitamin C is also crucial for collagen formation and a lack of it can also weaken tendons and ligaments.

It can be difficult to consistently hit your recommended intake of vitamins and minerals, which is why it can be beneficial to incorporate a daily supplement like AlgaeCal Plus. AlgaeCal Plus is a natural, bone-friendly calcium complex with all 13 mandatory trace minerals, including magnesium, for your bones. It supports bone health while actually building new bone.

Bone Spur Prevention and Outlook

Bone spurs, from symptoms to location, are vast and varied. Some of them you’ll never notice, while others can cripple you with pain and require surgery. Some respond well to natural remedies and others may require man-made intervention, like orthotics.

However, prevention — and even treatment — remains the same in a lot of ways. Wear good footwear, eat a balanced diet that is nutrient-dense, and change up your exercise routine to avoid repetitive impact injuries.

90,000 Calcaneal spur (plantar fasciitis). Types of treatment.

Heel spur is a disease associated with severe pain in the heel of the foot. Especially, acute pain occurs when walking. Each step is given to a person with great difficulty. The anatomy of the human foot is ideally formed for the correct distribution of the load on it. But, due to a number of reasons, the bone is deformed, while a growth is formed in the area of ​​attachment of the tendon, which presses on the surrounding tissues of the foot, causing pain.

Common causes of the onset and development of plantar fasciosis:

– excess weight;

– long physical exertion on the feet;

– vascular diseases of the lower extremities (rheumatoid arthritis, deforming osteoarthritis, diabetic polyneuropathy)

– flat feet and others.

Various methods of treating the disease are used, their choice depends, among other things, on the degree of pain syndrome and the time of treatment started.

The most gentle method of treatment is Medication.

Therapeutic therapy for the heel spur involves the appointment of pain relievers, special physical exercises, therapeutic massages and certain physiotherapy procedures:

– X-ray therapy,

– shock wave therapy,

– VHF,

– electrophoresis,

– phonophoresis.

Method of drug blockade
If a positive result from the use of drugs is not achieved, then a therapeutic blockade is applied. This procedure relieves the patient from severe piercing pain, eliminates inflammation and, thus, improves well-being. The main difference from other injections is that with drug blockages, the drug is injected directly into the focus of the pain syndrome.This procedure is more complicated than usual injections and is performed only by a doctor!

In addition, hormonal drugs such as diprospan and hydrocortisone are used to relieve pain. They belong to the group of glucocorticoid drugs that have anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also used.
Using injections, it is possible to relieve pain and restore the patient’s ability to move independently.

The volume of the course of therapy

Usually one to three injections are given with an interval of seven to fourteen days.The treatment regimen and the drug are selected by the doctor, depending on the nature of the pain and according to the results of the X-ray examination.

PRP therapy

PRP therapy, which uses platelet-rich plasma, is also used to treat heel spurs. This method promotes rapid tissue repair, and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Contraindications

Diagnosis is carried out first by means of an X-ray.The current condition of the patient is taken into account and contraindications are identified.

Contraindications to treatment are primarily related to the ingredients used in the preparation.
Non-steroidal preparations are undesirable for patients:
– with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
– with ulcers of the stomach and duodenum in a chronic form at the stage of exacerbation.
Diprospan cannot be used for deep mycoses, joint damage and in the presence of infectious diseases.

PRP injections also have contraindications.

For each specific case, it is imperative to consult with your doctor.

Operative method of treatment

If the treatment did not lead to the desired results, most often in the case of a late referral of the patient to a specialist, when the disease is already at an advanced stage. Surgery is performed, which is usually performed under local anesthesia. During the operation, the surgeon grinds off the bony outgrowth on the heel, returning the foot to its natural state.

This method of treatment, if done correctly, is very effective. Pain and inflammation disappear very quickly. And if the procedure is carried out successfully and subsequently supportive therapy is regularly carried out, then a person can “forget” about his illness for several years.

Associated preventive methods

Heel spur is treated in a complex manner. Even if the pain stops, follow your doctor’s recommendations to prevent relapse.

– wear comfortable shoes,

– do special exercises regularly,

– if necessary, conduct drug therapy.

It is imperative to periodically visit an orthopedic surgeon for preventive purposes. This is necessary to control the patient’s condition, his health, prevention of pain syndromes in the future.

Calcaneal spur – Foot – Treatment – Personal website of the orthopedist-traumatologist Sergey Yuryevich Dedov

HEEL SPUR (PLANTAR FASCIET)

Heel spur (plantar fasciitis) is a chronic condition characterized by pain in the heel when walking.

The pathogenesis of the disease is based on microdamage to the plantar aponeurosis (plantar fascia) in the zone of its fixation to the calcaneus. As a result of these injuries of the plantar ligament, local inflammation of the aponeurosis occurs, which is maintained daily due to the constant tension of the ligament when walking. It is a misconception that heel pain occurs as a result of stress on the heel spine. The very same bone exostosis (spur) on the plantar surface of the heel bone, as a rule, does not give pain, and is a consequence of chronic inflammation of the plantar aponeurosis.Therefore, it is more logical to talk about such a disease as heel fasciitis than about a heel spur.

The causes of plantar fasciitis (heel spur) are longitudinal flat feet, overweight, hollow feet, wearing shoes with thin soles, seasonal change of shoes. In most cases, the disease occurs in people over 40 years of age. Athletes also have a predisposition to the development of heel spurs with prolonged overload of the heels.

Patients report intense sharp pain in the heel when walking.Platnar fasciitis (heel spur) is characterized by “starting pain”, ie. morning pains or after prolonged sitting. During the day, the pain when walking subsides somewhat, and in the evening, an increase in the pain syndrome is possible.

The diagnosis of plantar fasciitis (calcaneal spur) is made on the basis of clinical examination and X-ray. Soreness is noted on palpation along the plantar surface of the heel. Sometimes these are diffuse pains throughout the heel, more often local pains in the center or along the inner surface of the heel region.

On the roentgenogram of the foot, a bony outgrowth in the form of a thorn along the plantar surface of the calcaneus is visualized, but sometimes this “bony thorn” is not detected on the roentgenogram.

Treatment

Treatment of plantar fasciitis (heel spurs) is conservative. In the clinic, we carry out an integrated approach to the treatment of this disease.

GUTA-CLINIC was one of the first in Russia to start using shock wave therapy for the treatment of heel spurs, as well as other diseases of the musculoskeletal system (epicondylitis, tendoperiostopathy, etc.).

For 8 years, the clinic has been successfully using extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ERWT) using the Swiss Dolor Clast apparatus (EMS, Switzerland).

The method of shock wave therapy is based on the therapeutic effect of a radial mechanical wave, which allows for a short time to relieve pain in the heel region. The average course of therapy is 5 sessions with an interval of 5-7 days. The duration of the shock wave therapy session is 15-20 minutes. The treatment does not require anesthesia, there is no trauma to the skin and tissues, is well tolerated by patients, and there are no side effects.

Shockwave therapy apparatus Conducting shockwave therapy

Swiss Dollar Clast (EMS, Switzerland)

In case of “advanced” cases of the disease, along with shock wave therapy in order to relieve inflammation in the area of ​​the “heel spur”, injections of corticosteroids are performed (Diprospan). Injections are carried out under local anesthesia (Lidocaine 2%), 1-2 injections are enough for a lasting effect.

The most important condition for the effectiveness of the treatment of plantar fasciitis (heel spur) is the provision of unloading of the painful heel area with the help of special insoles. The clinic carries out the selection and modeling of individual orthopedic insoles-instep supports directly on the patient’s leg. These instep supports not only relieve the painful heel zone, but also prevent the appearance of plantar fasciitis (heel spur) on the other foot!

Heel spur treatment with shock wave therapy

Heel spur

Nature has awarded man with an excellent shock-absorbing structure – a foot, the arched structure of which perfectly helps our body to effectively compensate shock loads when walking.At the same time, not everyone knows that the greatest load (making up almost half of the impact weight) “goes” to the heel, especially the place in which the key calcaneal ligament (also called the plantar fascia) is attached to the calcaneal tuberosity.

There are not so many happy owners of healthy feet in the world, but the number of people with at least an initial degree of flat feet, including the longitudinal one (associated precisely with the plantar fascia), is growing. And this, in turn, is sometimes fraught with the appearance of such a nuisance as a heel spur.

What is a heel spur

In fact, calcaneal spur is an osteophyte (bone growth of calcium salts, ranging in size from 1 to 12 mm), formed in response to chronic inflammation (with subsequent degenerative changes) at the site of attachment of the plantar fascia to the heel bone and muscle tendons located there feet. Thus, by “cementing” the damaged ligament site with calcium, the body tries to compensate for the displacement of the fulcrum (with a simultaneous increase in the load) in the foot when the shape of its arch changes.The inflammatory process can also involve the adjacent soft tissues and the periosteum of the calcaneus.

Despite the fact that the heel spur is considered a pathology inherent in the elderly and people over the age of 40, it can form at any age, even in children. Obese people are especially susceptible to this ailment, as well as women who spend a lot of time in uncomfortable shoes and high heels.

What are the reasons for the formation of a heel spur

A heel spur is usually not an independent disease, but a consequence of destructive factors that influence the occurrence of plantar fasciitis.It is they that cause overstrain with subsequent damage and inflammation to which the plantar aponeurosis and muscle tendons adjacent to the heel bone are exposed. These factors include the presence of the patient:

• longitudinal flat feet (in 90% of all clinical cases)
• Injury or damage to the calcaneus, muscles and ligaments of the foot
• overweight
• disorders of organic metabolism (due to certain pathologies, for example, gout)
• disorders of the leg circulation
• Chronic joint diseases that carry inflammation to the heel area (eg, arthritis, polyarthritis)

What are the symptoms of a heel spur

The main symptom of a heel spur is pain of an acute (stabbing) and burning character that occurs with the slightest load on the heel area due to multiple micro tears on the plantar fascia.When walking, the pain intensity weakens somewhat (due to the massage effect), manifesting itself more strongly in tired legs in the evening.

Most often, pain with a heel spur is localized in the central part of the heel, sometimes it can spread in the direction of the plantar ligament, or affect the arch of the foot and the muscles of the lower leg. Pain syndrome (also called “starting pain”) also manifests itself after a long stay of the patient at rest (after sleep or long sitting), which is explained by new microtraumas of the fibers of the ligaments, which with each injury become shorter and taut.

Is the heel spur dangerous?

The formation of a heel spur due to a pronounced pain syndrome leads to a partial loss of patient mobility and a sharp decrease in the quality of his life. In turn, motor passivity (especially for aged people) leads to functional disorders in the work of many body systems (cardiovascular, musculoskeletal), an increase in body weight, reducing immunity and significantly accelerating organic aging.

On the other hand, continuation of physical activity in the presence of a heel spur leads to a change in gait (due to the transfer of load from heel to toe), which entails overstrain and chronic fatigue of the leg muscles.A neglected heel spur is fraught with the subsequent development of many articular pathologies (including spinal deformity, scoliosis, hernias).

Diagnostics of the heel spur

To diagnose a heel spur, the doctor collects anamnesis (including determining the intensity of the pain syndrome), and also assigns the following:

• Ultrasound (to assess the condition of the soft and bone tissues of the foot)
• X-ray (for visualization of the structure and relief of the bone tissue of the heel)

Heel spur treatment

Successful heel spur therapy is usually based on:

1. elimination of the cause that caused the formation of the spur
2. relieve inflammation
3. elimination of degenerative changes in fibrous tissue areas
4. maximum deceleration of ossification (excessive mineralization) of the calcaneus

Methods can be used for this:

• shock wave therapy – based on the maximum loosening of the fibrous and calcified areas of the spur by shock waves of infrasound, as a result of which blood circulation is restored in the affected area, neoangiogenesis is started (the formation of new capillaries), and the fragments of loosening are further removed through the blood and lymphatic vessels;
• therapeutic blockade – relieving pain as a result of stopping the inflammation process with the help of glucocorticoid preparations of prolonged action;
• drug therapy -; using NSAIDs, vascular and decongestants, biostimulants, vitamins, etc.etc .;
• physiotherapy exercises and massage -; to restore normal blood flow in the leg and foot, in particular;
• physiotherapy – using electrophoresis, UFO, magnetic and laser therapy, ultrasound;

Patients are also advised to wear individually made orthopedic insoles.

Prevention of heel spur

Preventive measures to prevent the formation of a heel spur are usually aimed at:

• Maintaining the arch of the foot in the correct position (without overloading the osteo-ligamentous apparatus)
• early detection (with subsequent effective treatment) flat feet
• weight control and anti-obesity
• wearing comfortable shoes and (if necessary) orthopedic insoles
• contacting a doctor when the first painful sensations in the legs appear

Have you started to feel pain in your foot? Is the situation aggravated by your being in the “risk group”? Experienced specialists of the Shifa Medical Center are always ready to establish the exact cause of your ailment and effectively relieve you of it!

90,000 What is plantar fasciitis and how to treat it

Plantar fasciitis, or, as doctors say, plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain in the adult population.What is the basis of the disease and how to cope with it?

The disease has such characteristic symptoms that it is simply impossible not to notice it or confuse it with any other disease. The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain. In the morning after waking up, excruciating colic in the sole arises, which renews with each step. Doctors call this phenomenon morning pain of the first step. After a short period of time, the pain subsides, but the next morning or after a short rest it recurs again.Many patients complain of pain after a long walk. The pain syndrome is based on inflammation of the plantar fascia – a layer of tough connective tissue that, like a cable, connects the heel bone with the metatarsal bones and supports the longitudinal arch of the foot.

Several factors are known to contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. The most proven of them is the presence of flat feet, a pathological condition accompanied by flattening of the arch of the foot, as a result of which the plantar fascia is excessively stretched and strained.The part of the fascia that is attached to the heel bone is most severely damaged, and therefore the inflammation in this place is most pronounced. Another risk factor is overweight, which entails an increase in the load on the foot and, accordingly, the plantar fascia. Changes in habitual physical activity, such as excessive exercise or hard work, can also trigger fasciitis.

Without treatment, pain in the heel can bother for several months or constantly, then receding, then reappearing.As a result of chronic inflammation and “deposition” of calcium salts in the place of fixation of the plantar fascia to the calcaneus, a bony protrusion, or “heel spur”, is formed. Many patients consider her to be the culprit of unpleasant symptoms, but this is not entirely true. The pain is caused primarily by inflammation, and the “spur” is already its consequence. That is why plantar fasciitis requires a full-fledged treatment, which is always based on stopping inflammation and eliminating the cause of the disease.

Conservative therapy is complex and usually includes a combination of several methods.You can start with stretching – gymnastics for stretching the muscles of the foot and calf muscles. When exercised on a regular basis, they can effectively reduce heel pain. Along with gymnastics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also relieve pain, but their long-term use is unsafe due to the large number of side effects. It is very useful to wear individual orthopedic insoles, adjacent to the foot over the entire area, which are made individually for each patient.They allow you to restore the normal height of the arch of the foot already in the first weeks of constant wear and, thus, reduce the tension of the plantar fascia. Currently, this particular method of treatment is considered the most effective and guaranteeing long-term results. Another therapeutic area is the use of so-called “night splints” – special orthopedic devices that resemble a plastic boot. They, of course, can reduce the pain of the first morning step, but they are rather bulky and not very convenient to use.Shock wave therapy, which is also used for other diseases, has a certain positive effect, but it does not always completely stop the pain syndrome, and the achieved result does not last long. Local administration of hormones (corticosteroids) to the site of inflammation and surgery are extreme measures that are resorted to only in cases where other methods of treatment have not brought the desired result. Therefore, do not neglect the doctor’s recommendations on gymnastics and wearing special insoles.It doesn’t take much effort to do this.

Take care of your feet!

Vladimir KHRYSCHANOVICH, Doctor of Medical Sciences.

Calcaneal spur and osteophytes – causes, symptoms and treatment in St. Petersburg

Calcaneal spur or plantar (plantar) fasciitis is a chronic disease characterized by pain in the heel when walking due to the formation of an osteophyte in the form of a “thorn” (bone growth of a thorn-like shape) on the lower surface of the calcaneus.

Osteophytes – marginal growth of bone tissue as a result of various factors. Most often, osteophytes occur on the surfaces of the bones of the feet (“heel spur”) and articular surfaces.

Causes of the heel spur:

• longitudinal flat feet
• overweight.
• long-term overload of the heels

Symptoms of the heel spur.
Patients report severe and sharp pain in the heel, especially when walking.For the heel spur, the most typical “starting pain”, ie, the onset of pain in the morning or after a long stay in a sitting position. During the working day, the pain when walking subsides somewhat, but in the evening, an increase in the pain syndrome is also possible. Heel pain comes on suddenly for no apparent reason. A heel spur is diagnosed based on X-ray and clinical findings. With pressure on the plantar surface of the heel, intense pain is noted.Sometimes it can be diffuse pain throughout the heel, but more often it is still local pain in the center or on the inner surface of the heel area.
The X-ray of the foot shows a bony outgrowth in the form of a thorn on the plantar surface of the calcaneus at the point of attachment of the plantar aponeurosis, but there are often cases when the “bone spike” is not visible on the X-ray. Such a situation is possible in the early stages of the disease, and pain in this case will be associated not with the presence of a “heel spur”, but with inflammation.
At the initial consultation, the doctor will conduct an examination, diagnose and prescribe a set of procedures, which
takes into account all the characteristics of the patient, as well as his condition. At the end of the course of treatment, the specialist gives recommendations for the prevention of the disease and the prevention of relapse

Even the seemingly insignificant back pain between the shoulder blades can be a signal of a serious illness that is only gaining momentum, and therefore you should never neglect the advice and help of a specialist.

Heel spur – treatment at the Sun Clinic Medical Center in St. Petersburg

Outpatient surgery – Treatment of heel spurs with blockages

Treatment of heel spurs with blockades in Kharkiv

The disease, which is better known to us as heel spur, has a medical name – planetary fasceitis.She was called a heel spur because of the similar sensations – like a spur in the heel, which delivers pain with every step. Almost always it is caused by flat feet, but it may also appear due to excess weight – a large load on the feet. Joint diseases, infections, blood flow disorders, and wearing high heels can also be the cause. The tendon becomes inflamed, an outgrowth of bone tissue forms on it – this growth is the very heel spur.

Only modern medicine can offer effective treatment.Despite the popularity of folk remedies, treatment of heel spur involves medical intervention. And, no matter how you want, the heel spur will not dissolve by itself if you limit yourself only to poultices, baths and homemade solutions.

It has long been easy for physicians to fight the disease that we used to call the heel spur. For decades, treatment has been a complex of physiotherapeutic procedures such as electrophoresis, UHF therapy, magnetotherapy, shock wave and laser therapy.Therapeutic treatment of the heel spur has borne fruit. However, medicine is rapidly moving forward, and not so long ago there was a real medical breakthrough – a new method of treating heel spurs was invented. Namely, the blockade. Blockages are drugs injections that block pain. But the drugs themselves are primarily not pain relievers, but medicinal ones. More precisely, anti-inflammatory. In fact, it is not the growth itself that causes pain, but the inflammation of the surrounding tissue.But it always forms in parallel with the inflammatory process, so a heel spur is always very painful.

Heel spur block

The advantage of heel spur blockade is its localization – the needle is inserted directly into the very epicenter of inflammation. Of course, this is the most effective treatment for heel spur , when the drug enters the lesion, and does not have to first overcome the layers of skin and muscles. When this method first appeared in medicine, there were a lot of complaints about its painfulness.It hurts to touch this place, not like inserting a needle. But today the blockade of the heel spurs has been improved, and anesthesia is administered in parallel with the drug. Of course, the procedure remains uncomfortable, but you can endure it. Moreover, it’s worth it – no other method will give such a quick and long-lasting effect. Usually 3 injections are required, with an interval of 10 days between them. But this is determined individually. If you haven’t started the disease, perhaps one will suffice.

In the OK Center in Kharkov, a heel spur will be cured quickly, efficiently and not expensively. All prices are indicated on the website, our contacts are the same.

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