Foot Care 2 You
Trusted Podiatrists serving West Orange, NJ, Toms River, NJ, Bloomfield, NJ & Elmwood Park, NJ
You might be limping due to heel spurs — bony protrusions that can cause inflammation and pain. The podiatrists of Foot Care 2 You, with offices in Toms River, West Orange, Elmwood Park, and Bloomfield, New Jersey, offer a range of treatments for heel spurs and devise customized treatment plans. From medications to custom orthotics, lifestyle changes, minimally invasive surgical procedures, and more, take care of your feet with the assistance of an experienced and highly trained podiatrist. Call or use the online booking tool today.
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Heel Spurs
What is a heel spur?
A heel spur happens when a piece of bone forms on your heel bone. Heel spurs are calcium deposits underneath your heel that make small pieces of bone protrude. A heel spur typically starts near the front of your heel bone and points to the arch.
A heel spur typically comes with inflammation, pain, and swelling towards the front of your heel. You might notice a bony protrusion and the area might feel warm.
You might not know you have a heel spur since it might not necessarily cause any pain. An annual foot exam with a knowledgeable Foot Care 2 You podiatrist is an excellent proactive and preventive care method to protect your overall foot health.
Your podiatrist can evaluate your feet for any signs of abnormalities or heel spurs. Certain imaging, testing, and screenings can also help your podiatrist further evaluate your heel spur and general health.
What causes a heel spur?
It isn’t always clear what causes a heel spur, and several factors might play a role, such as:
- Improper weight distribution
- Excessive walking on hard surfaces
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Heel bruising
- Poor-fitting shoes
- Tight calf muscles
- Physical activities that irritate your feet
- Gait abnormalities and mechanical defects
The plantar fascia ligament — a thick tissue band that supports your arch, can sometimes play a role in the development of heel spurs.
If you have heel pain that persists for more than a couple of weeks, you should visit Foot Care 2 You to rule out any foot complications like heel spurs.
What are the treatments for a heel spur?
A heel spur diagnosis with an X-ray allows your podiatrist to view your bones and the inner structures of your foot. Heel spurs can develop over many months. The long-term inflammation often involved with heel spurs can cause damage to your foot.
Most treatments for heel spurs are designed to relieve pain and lower inflammation. Your podiatrist might recommend:
- Ice and heat
- Physical therapy
- Medications or injections to reduce inflammation and pain
- Proper-fitting shoes, arch supports, padding, inserts, or custom orthotics
- Various stretching exercises
- Medications to help manage pain
Heel spurs are permanent unless surgically removed. Your podiatrist can provide heel spur surgery to diminish your pain and improve your foot health and functionality.
To learn more about heel spurs and receive top-notch podiatric care, call Foot Care 2 You or book online today.