Bone spurs are deposits of calcium that accumulate on the heel bone. They are usually not very painful and you may not even notice that they are there. When they do turn painful you notice them but it is not the bone spurs themselves that are painful. They can generate heel pain to certain extends, and are often accompanied by conditions such as plantar fasciitis, which refers to painful foot inflammation in the connective tissue.When someone is experiencing pain as a result of a bone spur, it is normally because the spurs are creating pressure on either a bone or a nerve.
This condition is frequently observed among athletes who engaged in frequent jumping or running. Most of the time, bone spurs can be treated at home with inexpensive over the counter remedies. If they continue giving you problems, you should seek the expertise of a podiatrist for alternate options.
Some people find comfort in taking an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen according to the directions on the bottle. You might try resting the area and alternating heat and ice on it too. If these methods do not provide the right amount of relief, then you can try orthotics. These are specially formed inserts that fit into your shoes to offer more support and comfort. There are some stores that even have a machine that you can stand on and it will tell you exactly which orthotics you need! You may also find relief in some simple stretching exercises. Put one foot on a step and stretch all of the muscles in the leg still on the floor by rising to your toes and then slowly lowering yourself back down. If stretching does not have the intended effect then you can always massage the area. This will stimulate the blood flow while it reduces the pain.
Those are just a few of the treatments that you may be able to try at home. If none of these relieve the pain then you should consult a podiatrist about your options. There are many treatments for heel spurs, including exercise, orthotics specifically designed for the patient’s foot, cortisone injections, and inflammatory medications. However, if these aforementioned treatments are not effective, surgery is sometimes required.
Dr. Ian S. Goldbaum is a Podiatric Physician and Surgeon serving patients in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach.
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