Heel Spur

Kalmar Family Podiatry Our Services Heel Spur

Kalmar Family Podiatry

Podiatry & Podiatric Surgeons located in Huntington, NY

Heel spurs very rarely cause true pain. Spurs along the bottom or back of your heel are due to pulling from the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon. This repetitive pulling can and often times leads to plantar fasciitis and/or Achilles tendonitis. The team of highly qualified podiatrists at Kalmar Family Podiatry in Huntington, New York, has extensive experience helping resolve the problems associated with heel spurs. The team offers a patient-specific and effective treatment option to alleviate pain and discomfort. Call the office today to schedule an appointment, or use the online booking tool.

Heel Spur Q & A

What is a heel spur?

A heel spur is a bony protrusion either underneath or along the back of the heel bone caused by a buildup of calcium deposits.

Heel spurs are often present in patients with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the fibrous tissue in the bottom of the foot that causes pain in the heel or Achilles tendonitis, an inflammation to the tendon inserting on the back of the heel.

What causes a heel spur to develop?

The calcium deposits that lead to the formation of heel spurs are often triggered by an injury to the soft tissues, such as:

  • Ligament and tendon sprains
  • Muscle strains
  • Pulling of the plantar fascia
  • Tearing of the membrane on the heel bone

Certain risk factors make the development of heel spurs more likely, including:

  • Gait abnormalities
  • Running on hard surfaces
  • Poorly fitting, unsupportive footwear
  • Being overweight

What symptoms do heel spurs cause?

Heel spurs very often cause no symptoms, but if there’s inflammation in the soft tissues surrounding the heel spur, it can cause pain in the heel, especially when you’re physically active.

The pain of heel spurs is similar to that of plantar fasciitis, with which it’s closely associated. Pain in the heel is usually worse when getting out of bed or moving after a prolonged period of rest, then eases off. It returns if you stay on your feet or start running and jumping.

What treatments are available for heel spurs?

At Kalmar Family Podiatry, your podiatrist has a range of possible treatment options to help ease the pain of heel spurs, including:

  • Heel spur exercises
  • Plantar fasciitis exercises
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Cortisone injections
  • Corrective shoes
  • Custom orthotics
  • Physical therapy

Most people respond to these treatments and recover from the pain of heel spurs, but around 10% of patients don’t find any relief, in which case surgery may be an option worth considering. Your foot and ankle surgeon can operate to release the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that supports your arch, or surgically remove the heel spur.

If you have heel pain, it could be plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, a heel spur, or both. Your podiatrist can provide relief from heel pain and help you regain your mobility, so call Kalmar Family Podiatry today, or book an appointment online.

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