Heel Spur

Heel Spur Treatments

Heel pain is one of the most common complaints from patients. While heel spur may or may not show up on an x-ray, the spurs themselves are a result of the actual problem: plantar fasciitis. Our foot doctor Dr. Kosak at Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians Scottsdale will recommend a few proper heel spur treatments before your heel getting worst.

What are the differences between heel spur and plantar fasciitis?

A heel spur is a calcium deposit that forms where your plantar fascia or Achilles tendon connects to your heel. Over time, Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis can cause tears where the bone spur forms.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the connective tissue that stretches from the base of the toes to where it attaches to the heel bone. Symptoms include stiffness and tightness in the back of the leg and bunion joint, along with an uneven gait. Heel pain is often the first sign of plantar fasciitis.

When do you need heel spur treatments?

Not everyone with a heel spur will experience all of these symptoms. Some people with heel spurs may experience no symptoms at all. So early diagnosis by an experienced podiatrist is the key to recover faster. 

An untreated heel spur can lead to more serious plantar fasciitis and other worst foot health condition. It may further affect your daily life and you may have trouble walking, jogging, or running. 

Heel spur symptoms
  • Chronic pain while walking, jogging or running
  • Sharp pain like a knife or pin sticking into the bottom of the feet
  • Heat sensation radiating from the affected area
  • Small visible bone-like protrusion under the heel
  • Point of tenderness at the bottom of the heel that makes it hard to walk barefoot
What are the effective heel spur treatments?

Treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretch exercises, steroid injections, orthotics, and physical therapy.

  1. Night splints
  2. Physical therapy
  3. Shoe modifications
  4. Custom orthotics
  5. Padding and strapping
  6. Corticosteroid injections
  7. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  8. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)
  9. For persistent cases, Radio Frequency Lesioning may be needed

For more information on heel spur treatments or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (480) 247-8443!

Heel Spur Treatments