As people travel from place to place, they rely on the heel to support them. But over time, heel spurs could develop in the body. While we know where our heel is, what is it medically? Our heels are a part of the foot that rests just under the ankle.
In terms of anatomy, it is made up of the calcaneus bone and it also consists of five tarsal bones. With that essential purpose, it is important that the heel is well taken care of.
What are Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs are a condition in which the joints around the heel in your foot are inflamed as the result of excess bone growth in that area.
There are a variety of causes for heel spurs. For example, someone suffering from arthritis might experience heel spurs.
Wearing shoes that don’t properly support the foot can also lead to the development of bone spurs. Choosing footwear that properly supports the feet, especially for those who spend a lot of time standing during the day, can drastically reduce the likelihood of developing heel spurs
A person suffering from heel spurs may experience considerable pain in their heels, ranging from mild to excruciating.
Overall, the best way to determine if someone is suffering from heel spurs is to get diagnosed by a doctor.
With the proper medical tests, including an X-Ray scan, they can determine how severe the condition is and how to properly treat it.
How to Get Rid of Heel Spurs
While surgery is one of the treatment options for heel spurs, it may not be necessarily in all patients with the condition.
Many have found considerable success in treating their heel spurs using home remedies. It is important to consider, however, that these methods may not work for everybody.
Before implementing any sort of treatment, it’s important to consult your doctor. Improper or insufficient treatment can cause the condition to worsen or can even lead to other injuries.
Home Remedies for Heel Spurs
First, one, widely accessible method that many patients find helpful is to apply ice to the affected area. Doing so can reduce inflammation and therefore decrease pain and swelling in that area. A simple ice-pack or bag filled with ice cubes will suffice. .
Another method to treat heel spurs is by elevating the affected foot.
Constantly walking or standing on an already inflamed joint can exacerbate the condition and cause considerable pain. Using crutches or a wheelchair for mobility and elevating the foot when you’re sitting down can help decrease inflammation.
Additionally, another home remedy recommendation is to place heel pads inside your shoes to provide extra support. Providing proper support to the heel may not only provide relief from some pain, it may also keep the condition from worsening as drastically as without.
Finally, people who suffer from heel spurs should consider physical therapy. Speaking with a therapist can help you understand the condition better as well as start on a routine of exercises to improve mobility and comfort in that area. The internet may be able to provide some movements that are beneficial, but seeing a professional is going to guarantee the best results.
If a person or their loved one is seeking treatment for heel spurs, Diablo Foot & Ankle is here to help. Please reach out to us to schedule a consultation.
Common Podiatry Questions
What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle.
What does a Podiatrist treat?
A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the feet. They can treat conditions such as ingrown toenails, fungal toenails, bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis.
What’s the difference between a Podiatrist and Orthopedist?
A Podiatrist and Orthopedist are very similar to each other in many ways. They use most of the same tools and treat a lot of the same conditions. The main difference between the two is their medical training. Podiatrists are trained exclusively on the foot and ankle, whereas the Orthopedic is trained on the whole body with an additional year of training on the foot and ankle.
Where are your Podiatry clinics located?
At Diablo Foot & Ankle, we treat our foot and ankle patients in two main clinic locations in Walnut Creek and in Antioch California. Dr. Eman Elmi and Dr. Shayan Esspoor are Board Certified Podiatrists who specialize in the treatment of foot and ankle disorders.
