Symptoms of heel spurs, treatment methods

A heel spur is the formation of a bone growth on the tuberosity of the heel bone, which causes discomfort when walking. The disease is most often diagnosed in women under the age of 45.

The causes of heel spurs and predisposing factors are as follows

flat feet and heel bone injuries;
pregnancy
age-related changes;
overloading of the feet (playing sports, wearing high-heeled shoes, standing work)
overweight;
diseases accompanied by circulatory disorders (diabetic angiopathy);
metabolic disorders;

These factors lead to soft tissue microtears, which result in aseptic inflammation of the muscles and mucous membrane located under the heel. The next stage is the formation of fluid, which impairs blood circulation, and the deposition of calcium salts with the growth of osteophytes (bone growth). The main symptom of heel spurs is sharp pain with maximum intensity in the morning.

The onset of the disease

The first manifestation of the disease is a feeling of discomfort when walking and sharp pain in the heel, which manifests itself in the morning. The intensity of pain depends not on the size of the growth but on its location. If treatment is ignored, the pain becomes permanent.

Most often, the spur appears on one foot.

Diseases that contribute to the development of heel spurs

First of all, these are:

vascular pathology - diabetic angiopathy, atherosclerosis. Due to impaired blood supply, the elasticity of the fascia deteriorates, which leads to the appearance of tears;
diseases of the musculoskeletal system - arthritis, Bechterev's disease, polyarthritis. Inflammation of the joints is accompanied by pain, which leads to changes in gait and improper redistribution of body weight to the feet;
autoimmune diseases - lupus erythematosus, rheumatism;
infectious diseases of the sexual sphere - gonorrhea, mycoplasmosis, syphilis.

Diagnostics

A specialist of any specialty will tell you which doctor to see in case of heel spur symptoms. The orthopedist will make an accurate diagnosis after examining the patient and taking anamnesis. The results of an X-ray examination of the foot are of great importance. An X-ray usually shows a spur on the heel tubercle. General clinical blood and urine tests, MRI of the foot may be prescribed as auxiliary methods of investigation.

Differential diagnostics should be performed for the following diseases

bone tuberculosis;
rheumatoid arthritis
gout
osteomyelitis.

Effective remedies for heel spurs

Medication treatment of heel spurs precedes the identification of the cause that led to the formation of osteophytes.

The doctor selects the treatment method individually, taking into account the patient's condition and the location of the spur. Self-medication in this case is unacceptable.

Effective means of treating heel spurs:

local drug therapy (gels, ointments);
shock wave therapy;
impact on the bone growth with ultrasound and laser;
magnetic resonance therapy;
X-ray therapy;
surgical treatment.

Laser treatment of heel spurs is effective at any stage of the disease. The laser is characterized by analgesic, anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects.

Shockwave therapy helps to strengthen ligaments, anesthetize, relieve inflammation and resorb bone growth. The method is comparable in effectiveness to surgery.

Surgical removal of heel spurs is usually prescribed in the absence of a positive result after conservative treatment.

Magnetic resonance therapy has anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect, as well as improves vascular function.

X-ray therapy of heel spurs is used in case of intense pain syndrome. An X-ray beam blocks pain impulses, relieving pain.

In case of intense pain, a doctor may prescribe a blockade of the heel spur with corticosteroid drugs (Kenalog, hydrocortisone). The blockade is performed strictly for medical reasons.

How to quickly get rid of heel spurs at home

At the initial stage of the disease, gymnastic exercises for heel spurs will give a positive result.

Traditional medicine methods can be used as auxiliary means for heel spurs. They are used under medical supervision. You can use compresses with burdock and plantain leaves, mumijo ointments, lotions with ammonia and turpentine. Special insoles reduce pain in heel spurs by promoting the correct position of the entire foot and the heel in particular.

Insoles and insoles in the treatment of heel spurs: how to choose

Special insoles and insoles are mandatory in the treatment of heel spurs. They help to reduce the load on the heel and improve blood circulation in this area, fix the ligaments in the right position and reduce the load on the knee and hip joints. You can find out the price of orthopedic insoles used for heel spurs in specialized stores, where a specialist will help you choose the size and quality of the insole material. However, the best option is to consult a podiatrist. The doctor will examine the features of the foot and select the necessary insole model. It is important to take into account the patient's weight and the degree of development of the disease.

On our website https://dobrobut.com/ you can make an appointment with a doctor at a convenient time. During the consultation, you will learn how to get rid of heel spurs quickly and which treatment methods will be most effective in your case.

Preventive measures

The best prevention of heel spurs is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Watch your weight, avoid injuries and treat musculoskeletal diseases in time. In the presence of vascular problems, prophylactic intake of vascular drugs during the autumn-spring period is recommended.