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Office Hours: Monday 9:00-5:00
Tuesday 9:00-5:00
Wednesday 9:00-5:00
Thursday 9:00-4:00 Friday: Surgery Saturday: Closed
Heel
Spurs
Heel spurs are essentially a
hook of bone that forms at
the back of the foot, at the
base of the ankle. Heel
spurs are also described as
a
calcium deposit that
covers the tendons and
ligaments of the ankle.
Heel spurs cause extreme pain, and can prevent
someone from walking or being physically active at
a normal level.
Heel spurs are more common than people expect
them to be. They are most common in people age
forty and over, although heel spurs can occur in
people younger than forty, and frequently affect
athletes or people who are very physically active.
Heel spurs are also common in those with poor
circulation and degenerative diseases. People who
suffer from arthritis may suffer from heel spurs as
well.
The symptoms of heel spurs are pain in the lower
ankle, which increase when walking.
Treatment of heel spurs can be treated many ways
and most often times is very effective. If someone
suspects that they have heel spurs, they should
contact their physician. Their physician will
recommend that they perform an x-ray on the
patient's ankles. The physician may also perform a
physical on the patient to ensure that there are no
underlying conditions, and of course if heel spurs
are discovered a physician can recommend
treatment options.
Orthopedic shoes are specially designed footwear
for people who suffer with foot problems.
Orthopedics offer a rubber sole, which cushions the
heel and adds comfort to those who suffer from
heel spurs. Another simple way to help the pain of
heel spurs is to elevate the ankle to diminish the
pain. When elevating the ankle, the blood is not
focused on that area of the foot and can bring some
relief. When all these options have been attempted,
and there is still no relief from heel spurs, or the
heel spurs return, surgery can be the more dramatic
and permanent way to rid patient of heel spurs.
There are less conventional ways that are becoming
more popular ways to treat heel spurs. One option
would be to use a night splint which reduces the
pain caused from heel spurs if worn overnight.
Other alternative treatment methods that can be
used are ultrasound, or acupressure. There are also
other tolls that can be used are heel cups, heel
seats, heel pads, arch supports, and insoles.
Exercise is also another powerful tool to help
alleviate pain from heel spurs and can help in
dealing with some of the symptoms, although
exercising incorrectly and forgetting to protect your
feet can lead to further pain. It is important to
remember the correct way to place the feet when
exercising so as to avoid making the problems
worse, or creating problems. When exercising to
alleviate heel spurs, exercising strengthens muscles
around the surrounding tissue around the ankle.
Stretching will also keep the tendons around the
ankle flexible.
9645 Lincolnway Lane, Suite 104, Frankfort, IL 60423
(779)333-7419