The best treatment for heel spurs depends on your pain level and how the condition affects your daily activities. Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of your heel bone. Many people confuse heel spurs with plantar fasciitis, but they are different conditions that can occur together.
Finding effective treatment matters because untreated heel pain can impact your mobility and quality of life. The right treatment plan can help you return to normal activities without pain.
In this blog, we will cover the following:
- Understanding Heel Spurs: Heel spurs are bony bumps on the heel that can cause pain.
- Treatment Without Surgery: Most heel spurs can be treated with simple methods like rest, shoe inserts, and stretching.
- Prevention and Management: To keep heel spurs from coming back, mix pain relief with healthy habits to protect your feet.
What are the Non-Surgical Treatments for Heel Spurs?
Most people respond well to non-surgical treatments, like the following:
Rest and Activity Changes
Taking breaks from activities that worsen your heel pain gives your foot time to heal. Ice therapy can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief. Apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times per day.
Avoid activities that put excessive pressure on your heels, such as running or jumping.
Supportive Footwear and Orthotics
Proper shoes play a crucial role in heel spur treatment. Custom orthotics can redistribute pressure away from painful areas. These devices support your foot’s natural alignment and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
Exercise and Stretching Programs
Specific exercises can strengthen your foot muscles and improve flexibility. Calf stretches help lengthen tight muscles that contribute to heel pain. Rolling a tennis ball under your foot can help relax the plantar fascia. Towel stretches performed in the morning can reduce stiffness.
Night Splints and Taping
Night splints keep your foot in a stretched position while you sleep. This prevents the plantar fascia from tightening overnight. Athletic taping can provide support during daily activities.
These techniques help maintain proper foot positioning and reduce morning pain.
Advanced Conservative Therapies
Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. This treatment can break down scar tissue and improve blood flow.
Ultrasonic tissue repair is another option that promotes healing at the cellular level. These therapies work best when combined with other conservative treatments.
What are the Medical and Surgical Treatments for Heel Spurs?
Sometimes, the best treatment for heel spurs may include surgery or other medical procedures.
Medications and Injections
Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce pain and swelling associated with heel spurs. Over-the-counter options include ibuprofen and naproxen.
Corticosteroid injections provide more targeted relief for severe pain. These injections can reduce inflammation directly at the source of your discomfort.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical option for persistent heel pain. This treatment uses focused sound waves to promote healing.
The procedure typically requires multiple sessions over several weeks. Most patients experience gradual improvement in their symptoms.
Surgical Options
According to the Cleveland Clinic, surgery for heel spurs is rarely necessary. It is also often considered a last resort. The procedure involves removing the bony growth and releasing tight plantar fascia tissue.
Surgical risks include infection, nerve damage, and incomplete pain relief. Recovery can take several months, and success is not guaranteed.
Doctors recommend surgery only when conservative treatments fail after six months to a year. The decision requires careful consideration of the risks versus potential benefits. Most heel spur cases resolve without surgical intervention.
Long-Term Management
Physical therapy helps keep your feet strong and flexible. Meanwhile, regular exercise prevents stiffness and keeps them healthy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, managing your weight is also important. This is because it takes pressure off your heels and lowers the chance of future problems. Staying at a healthy weight is one of the best ways to avoid heel pain.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Try to limit standing on hard surfaces for long periods. However, if your job requires it, use cushioned mats to reduce strain.
Pick low-impact activities like swimming instead of high-impact sports to protect your heels. Slowly increasing your activity levels can also help you avoid getting hurt again.
Prevention Tips
Make sure to replace worn-out shoes often, so your feet get the support they need. Stretch your feet and calves every day, especially before exercising, to keep them flexible.
Pay attention to any heel pain and rest if it starts to come back. Taking care of small problems early can stop them from becoming bigger issues.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Heel Spurs?
To diagnose heel spurs, your doctor will start by:
- Examining your foot
- Asking about your symptoms
- Checking for areas of tenderness
- Testing your range of motion
They will also review your medical history to identify any risk factors or past injuries. While a physical exam provides valuable insights, it is not enough to confirm the presence of heel spurs.
Imaging studies, such as X-rays, are often used to get a clear view of bony growths on the heel. Meanwhile, ultrasounds can reveal soft tissue inflammation around the spur. These tools help an orthopedic surgeon distinguish heel spurs from other potential causes of heel pain.
An accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure you receive the most effective treatment for heel spurs.
Best Treatment for Heel Spurs in Bismarck, ND
The best treatment for heel spurs varies based on your specific situation and pain severity. Most people find relief through conservative approaches combined with professional guidance. The best outcomes occur when patients work closely with healthcare providers to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
Trust The Bone & Joint Center’s board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Chad Carlson, for expert heel spur treatment. Call us at (701) 946-7400 or submit an online appointment request form. We have multiple locations across North Dakota for your convenience.
We look forward to serving you!
