Heel spurs are calcium deposits that manifest as bony growths that extend between the heel bone and the arch of the foot. Heel spurs can be hard to detect and sometimes do not cause pain and are only discovered during routine x-rays. The best Dallas, TX, podiatrist explains more here.
Causes
Heel spurs do not occur suddenly. They develop slowly over time due to repeated stress to the ligaments and muscles in the feet. Excessive stress causes calcium to build up in the joint and initially causes pain; ignoring the pain leads to worsening of the heel spur. Other causes include:
Arthritis
Excessive wearing of sandals
Ill-fitting shoes
Bruising of the heel
Poor gait
Another co-occurring foot problem with heel spurs is plantar fasciitis – inflammation of the muscle that connects the heel and the toes. This condition is also caused by stress and tension in the foot muscles. However, plantar fasciitis can resolve on its own; heel spurs are permanent and may require surgery.
Symptoms
Heel spurs may feel warm to the touch and be painful; however, they are generally present without pain and only visible during an x-ray. If symptoms are present, they include:
Heel swelling
Arch and/or heel inflammation
Our podiatrist can help diagnose your heel spur and recommend treatment options.
Heel Spur Treatments
Treatments for heel spurs include:
Anti-inflammatory injections, such as corticosteroids to relieve pain and inflammation
Cold compresses for joint and muscle pain
Stretching exercises
Surgery, if your heel spur pain is ongoing and interferes with your life
Our podiatrist may also recommend physical therapy for your heel spur recovery. Other helpful treatments are calf stretches, foot flexes, and grabbing towels with your toes to exercise the plantar fascia.
Contact The Best Dallas, TX, Podiatrist Today To Find Out More!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about hammertoe and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Dallas Podiatry Works, with a convenient podiatry office in Dallas, TX, by calling 972.564.8556 or by clicking here.
Your Top-Rated Podiatrist in the Dallas & Fort Worth Metroplex
The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.
Derrick W.
The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.
Joseph B.
I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.
Jeannette H.
Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.
Meryl E.
I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.
Google User
Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.