Heel Spurs Are Common, Painful and Treatable

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Heel pain is a common reason for patients to visit their foot doctor. Sometimes, such as after foot and ankle injuries, the cause of the heel pain is obvious. In other cases, the reason or problem is harder to pin down. Fortunately, a podiatrist like Jason Grossman, DPM is an expert in examining, diagnosing, and treating all illnesses of and injuries to the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Your foot doctor will be able to determine the source of your discomfort and to help you feel better.

Heel spurs are frequently associated with plantar fasciitis and are common causes of heel pain. A heel spur is the result of strain to the muscles and ligaments of the foot, over-stretching the plantar fascia (the soft connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes) and tearing the membrane over the heel calcaneus (heel bone). Eventually, a calcium deposit is created on the underside of the heel bone. This “spur” further irritates the soft tissues and causes pain and discomfort when standing, walking, running, or wearing shoes.

People at risk of developing heel spurs include:

  • Anyone with an atypical gait or stance, perhaps because of a congenital anomaly

  • Women who wear high-heeled shoes

  • People who choose shoes with poor arch support or wear them after they are worn out

  • Runners, especially those who regularly run on very hard surfaces

  • Men, women, and adolescents who are overweight or obese

As heel spurs often occur in conjunction with plantar fasciitis, you should be alert to those symptoms, especially pain in the heel that occurs first thing in the morning or that feels worse with activity and better with rest.

If you experience heel pain or if you have any other concern about the health and wellness of your feet, ankles, or lower legs, an appointment with your podiatrist is the first step toward feeling better. If your doctor concludes that heel spurs are the cause of your discomfort, she or he will have numerous treatment options from which to choose, including:

  • RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation)

  • Over-the-counter and prescription medication for pain and inflammation

  • Custom orthotics for cushioning and support

  • Surgery, but only in extreme cases.

Schedule an appointment in Advanced Feet and Ankle Care’s modern, comfortable Old Bridge and Sayreville offices today. Call our friendly staff at (732) 679-4330 or click here to get started.

Common Foot ConditionsAdvanced Feet and Ankle CareHeel Pain, Heel Spurs