Heel Spur Symptoms and Treatment

A heel spur is a bony formation located at the calcaneous bone or heel bone that can clearly be seen through x-ray. Also called calcaneal spur, this condition is commonly associated with plantar fasciitis when the spur is located at the inferior aspect or at the bottom of the calcaneous bone. 

Though these conditions are related, they are two different disease entities. Plantar fasciitis refers to the irritation or inflammation of the plantar fascia, and a spur usually forms because of this. But not all patients with plantar fasciitis develop a heel spur and not all patients with heel spurs have plantar fasciitis.

Heel spurs are common in patients who suffer from chronic heel pain due to an inflamed plantar fascia. This is often seen on middle aged men and women or among active athletic individuals involved in sports like runners, basketball players and volleyball players.

Patients do not actually complain of heel pain due to heel spurs but from pain due to plantar fasciitis. Most often, a heel spur can only be found or diagnosed through radiological findings where the pointy bony prominence is located at the attachment of the plantar fascia.

How do heel spurs form? About 70% of patients with plantar fasciitis will develop heel spurs. The plantar fascia, which is located at the bottom of the foot, is a strong fibrous tissue that attaches to the heel bone to the balls of the foot.  It is responsible for the arch of the foot and plays a major role in the biomechanics of the foot. This fascia is also constantly under tremendous stress when walking, running or bearing weight.

However, this important structure is very prone to injury and degenerative changes. The natural wear and tear of this tendon can cause irritations and inflammation causing chronic heel pain. For some reason, the new bone growth is formed at the attachment of the plantar fascia to the heel bone probably because of the constant stressful pulling action.

Treating pain associated with heel spurs and plantar fasciitis can be done conservatively. Most often, the R.I.C.E. method which stands for rest, ice, compress, and elevate can effectively relive pain. Other treatments are foot inserts, pain medications and steroid injections. 

A new treatment called ESWT uses multiple shock waves to naturally stimulate healing in the injured fascia. This is a holistic approach since it encourages the own healing properties of the body.

For more information about heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, please visit the Family Foot and Leg Center in Naples or Contact Dr. Kevin Lam at (239) 430-3668.

Understanding the Development of A Heel Spur

What is a heel spur?

A heel spur is a bony formation located at the calcaneous bone or heel bone that is evident through x-ray. Also called calcaneal spur, this condition is commonly associated with plantar fasciitis when the spur is located at the inferior part or at the bottom of the calcaneous bone.

Though these conditions are related, they are two separate disease entities. Plantar fasciitis refers to the irritation or inflammation of the plantar fascia, and this is sometimes accompanied by a spur. But not all patients with plantar fasciitis develop a heel spur and not all patients with heel spurs have plantar fasciitis.

Heel spurs are seen on patients who have chronic heel pain due to the inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is often seen on middle aged men and women or among active athletic individuals involved in sports like runners, basketball players and volleyball players.

Patient don't actually complain of heel spur pain but pain from plantar fasciitis. Most often, a heel spur can only be found or diagnosed through radiological findings where the pointy bony prominence is located at the attachment of the plantar fascia.

How do heel spurs form? About 70% of patients with plantar fasciitis will develop heel spurs. The plantar fascia, which is located at the bottom of the foot, is a strong fibrous tissue that attaches to the heel bone to the balls of the foot. It is responsible for the arch of the foot and plays a major role in the biomechanics of the foot. This fascia is also under enormous stress when running, walking or bearing weight.

However, this important structure is very prone to injury and degenerative changes. The natural wear and tear of this tendon can cause irritations and inflammation causing chronic heel pain. For some reason, the new bone growth is formed at the attachment of the plantar fascia to the heel bone probably because of the constant stressful pulling action.

Treating pain associated with heel spurs and plantar fasciitis can be done conservatively. Most often, the R.I.C.E. method which stands for rest, ice, compress, and elevate can effectively relive pain. Other treatments are foot inserts, pain medications and steroid injections.

A new treatment called ESWT uses multiple shock waves to naturally stimulate healing in the injured fascia. This is a holistic approach since it encourages the bodies own healing properties.

For more information about heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, please visit the Family Foot and Leg Center in Naples or Contact Dr. Kevin Lam at (239) 430-3668.

Shockwave Therapy: Will It Work For Me?

Shockwave therapy for the treatment of heel pain is a Non-invasive, PAINLESS procedure used to manage that nagging pain you feel that "you've tried everything for," and feel with every step you take!

That's right, no hospital, no operating room, no surgical blades, no bandages, no stitches, no PAIN!!

Shockwave therapy is performed by using a machine on which the heels are placed. It then expels high energy sound waves into your heel through the skin. These 'sound waves' move through the soft tissue structures and bone in your heel and break up some of the scar tissue that causes your discomfort. The special products in your body that heal tissue are attracted to the shockwaves, and a healing response occurs over time!

Heel pain is a common among patients treated at major health centers in the world! Many patients, young and old, are competitive and/or leisurely tennis and golf players. These individuals typically complain of pain in the heel(s) most intense with the first few steps taken during the competition that 'eases up' as the game goes on. At time the pain is felt in the arches, or even in the back of the heel.

Eventually, the pain becomes aggravating enough that it is felt with every step attempting to return a serve, or with every long drive down the fairway. When arch supports, custom orthotics, and cortisone injections fail, that is when shockwave therapy is introduced!

So¦.you're wondering what the recovery process is after shockwave therapy?

The procedure takes about half an hour per foot. Patients walk in, have the procedure, and walk out with a walking boot worn for an unspecified time period at your doctor's discretion, depending upon the origin of your heel pain (minimum of 24 hours, maximum of 2 weeks).

Patients report NO pain during the procedure and mild tenderness after the procedure for approximately 48-72 hours. You can walk, drive, go to the grocery store, sunbathe & swim, and go to dinner the evening of the procedure! Again, no hospitals, no operating room, no surgical blades, no bandages, no stitches, NO PAIN at all!!

How many treatments?

The number of treatments is dependent upon the type of shockwave therapy recommended for you, as well as your personal schedule and flexibility. To sum things up, there are two types of shockwave therapyHigh Energy and Low Energy. High energy shockwave therapy requires one treatment, and the sound waves are of a higher frequency level. Low energy is one treatment weekly for 5 weeks, and the sound waves are of a lower frequency level. Patients respond positively to both high and low energy shockwave therapy.

What are the disadvantages?

Unfortunately the majority of insurance companies do not cover the procedure despite shockwave's impressive beneficial results in the medical literature. Therefore, shockwave therapy is an out-of-pocket expense. The medical community is hopeful that shockwave therapy will be compensable by insurance companies in the near future.

Why should I choose shockwave therapy over a surgical procedure?

Because ESWT shockwave therapy has been found to be equally beneficial to an open surgical procedure, without the risks that open surgeries introduce (pronounced pain, swelling, infection, & the need for another surgery/revision).