If you are experiencing heel pain, there is a good chance that you have heel spurs. Heel spurs are small calcium deposits that form on the underside of the heel bone. They can cause a great deal of pain and can make it difficult to walk or stand. In this article, we will discuss giving you a beginner’s guide to treating heel spurs. Keep reading to learn more.
Ways On Treating Heel Spurs
If you are suffering from heel spurs, then you know how much they can affect your quality of life. Heel spurs can cause sharp pain in the heel, making it difficult to walk or even stand. However, there are ways to treat heel spurs and relieve the pain.
Here is a beginner’s guide to treating heel spurs:
- Compress with a cold pack.
A heel spur is often associated with a burning sensation under the heel. To ease this pain, apply a cold pack to the area for 20 minutes three or four times each day. Do not put ice directly on your skin, however. Instead, wrap the ice in a towel or an old T-shirt. After two or three days of icing, you can try using heat. Apply a heating pad set on low or take a warm bath for 15 to 20 minutes once or twice each day.
- Shoes and orthotics.
Wearing the right shoes can help reduce pain from heel spurs. Look for shoes with good arch support and a cushioned sole. If your heels still hurt after changing shoes, you may need to add custom orthotics. You can buy these devices over-the-counter or have them custom-made by a certified pedorthist like The Shoe Doctor.
- Over-the-counter medicines.
If you have heel pain, you can take over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). Be sure to follow the instructions on the package. You should not take these medicines for more than a few days because they can cause stomach bleeding. If your pain does not go away after a few days, see your doctor.
- Stretching exercises.
If your heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis, stretching exercises can help. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it can cause heel pain. Try these simple stretching exercises such as before you get out of bed in the morning, dangle your foot over the edge of the bed and stretch your calf muscles.
While you are brushing your teeth, lean forward against a wall and push your heels into the floor to stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendon. And during commercials, stand up and walk around or march in place to stretch your calves.
- Corticosteroids injections.
This is a common method of treatment for heel spurs. The steroid medication is injected into the area around the spur, which helps to reduce pain and inflammation. However, this method does not always work and can sometimes cause side effects such as joint damage.
- Surgery.
If you have heel spurs and conservative treatments haven’t worked, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery involves removing the heel spur. In some cases, the surgeon may also need to remove a small piece of bone from your foot or realign your tendons and ligaments. Recovery time from this type of surgery is typically six to eight weeks. You’ll likely need to wear a cast or walking boot during this time.
- Physical therapy.
If you have heel spurs, your doctor may recommend physical therapy. A physical therapist can show you exercises to stretch and strengthen your Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia. This will help relieve pain and prevent further damage.
- Rest your feet.
One of the best things you can do for heel spurs is to give your feet a break. If you’re experiencing pain, avoid activities that put stress on your feet, such as running or jumping. Take a few days off from work or school to rest your feet. You may also need to wear a boot or cast to keep weight off your foot while it heals.
If you’re one of the many people who suffer from heel spurs, don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to treat them. We’ve outlined some of the most common treatments in this article, but if you have any questions or want more information, please don’t hesitate to call us today. Our team of experts is here to help and we want to see you on your way to pain-free heels.
Remember, The 3 Arches of Your Feet Still Need Support!
Maybe you have already felt the first symptoms of balance disorders or you want to prevent them from appearing in the first place. Consider getting a foot orthotic device or simply take care of your feet. Start by washing them thoroughly with a gentle soap whenever you take a shower. Being a very complex support system, your feet are your first line of defense against balance-related issues, since their arches provide you with the stability you need in your daily life. It’s time to put your foot down and push back against balance issues. With both feet on the ground, dedicate yourself to keeping them comfortable and healthy. Give us a call and we will scan your feet to make you custom orthotic inserts.
The Shoe Doctor has specialized in providing custom orthotics for 20 years. The right orthotic insoles can greatly reduce foot, knee and hip pain while increasing performance and comfort. Russell at The Shoe Doctor will help educate and assist you in finding the perfect solution for your particular situation. We will create a 3D map of your feet and make custom orthotics for your hiking boots, everyday shoes, and everything else in between. These orthotics, along with our expert advice, will get you using orthotics like a pro, and have you performing at the peak of your abilities in no time! If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, give The Shoe Doctor a call to get the best custom orthotics in the area! We are here to assist you, schedule your free consultation here!
