Heel spurs keeping you down? Dr. Douglas Milch and the team at Asheville Podiatry Associates in Asheville, NC, offer heel spur treatment plans customized to you.
QUICK GUIDE TO HEEL SPUR TREATMENT
Heel spurs are bony growths that occur due to calcium deposits on the heel. Its something that occurs over time not overnight so many people don't have any symptoms. Eventually, though, the growth can begin to cause pain and discomfort, affecting the rest of your foot. Lets take a deeper look at why they might develop and what you can do about them.
WHAT CAUSES HEEL SPURS?
Most often, calcium deposits form due to injuries, overuse or having a tight plantar fascia. For example, if there is excessive pulling of a tendon that attaches to the heel, bone will grow in that direction causing a bone spur to form in that area. A bone spur can occur where the Achilles tendon inserts into the back of the heel or on the bottom of the heel where the plantar fascia attaches.
The plantar fascia is the long band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. Having a tight fascia or tendon can cause excessive pulling on these bone insertions which become inflamed and can cause heel spurs to form. Other potential causes include:
- Strains in the muscles or ligaments
- Foot structure issues that cause an abnormal gait
- Wearing shoes that don't fit properly
- Having high arches or flat feet
- Being overweight
As you can see, each of these potential causes leads to undue or uneven stress on the feet. Older people and those with diabetes are also more likely to develop heel spurs.
TREATING HEEL SPURS
There are various ways to approach heel spurs, depending on what caused them in the first place. Dr. Milch at Asheville Podiatry Associates in Asheville, NC, will assess your condition and develop the most effective heel spur treatment plan for your needs.
For some people, resting and icing your feet after activities is enough. Calf stretching is very important several times a day, especially before getting out of bed or after you've been sitting for a while. Changing the type of shoes you wear can play an important role. Additionally, custom orthotics are available to correct any structural issues.
In the most severe cases, surgery might be recommended. However, conservative approaches will be thoroughly explored first. Surgery should only be considered after relief hasn't been found through other approaches.
You don't have to just live with the pain. Come see Dr. Milch at Asheville Podiatry Associates in Asheville, NC, for personalized heel spur treatment and relief. Call (828) 252-9424 to schedule your appointment today.