WHAT IS A HEEL SPUR?

Heel spurs are bony protrusions that form on the underside of the heel bone where your heel bone connects to your plantar fascia or the fascia band that connects your heel and the ball of your foot. With heel spurs developing over time most people do not realize that they have them until they see a podiatrist for heel pain.

WHAT CAUSES HEEL SPURS?

Heel spurs develop over time with the repetitive stress on your foot ligaments and tendons from walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces. Your body’s defense for when you develop plantar fasciitis is to create a heel spur.

HOW DOES DR. LACAVA DIAGNOSE HEEL SPURS?

At your appointment with Dr. LaCava he might ask you about what you do for a living and if you do any activities like playing sports or exercising to try to determine the reasoning behind the heel spur. Ultimately an X-ray will be the test that he will do to diagnose a heel spur.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HEEL SPURS?

Dr. LaCava’s will treat the heel spurs similarly to how he treats plantar fasciitis. This is because heel pain attributed to heel spurs is often caused by plantar fasciitis. Treating the symptoms for plantar fasciitis will treat the heel spur. Typical treatment methods include:

• Resting your heel: If you engage in activities like running or jogging, taking a break can help alleviate heel pain.
• Using cold packs or ice: Applying ice to the bottom of your foot can help reduce inflammation and relieve heel pain.
• Taking oral anti-inflammatory medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.
• Wearing supportive footwear or shoe inserts: Choosing shoes with proper arch support and using inserts can provide relief by supporting your plantar fascia and reducing strain on your heel.