Heel Pain Caused by Bone Spurs
A bone spur at the heel can cause heel discomfort. A pull in your plantar fascia will cause a bone spur to develop on your heel. There are a few things that can be done to relieve the pain and make the pain go away. These options include corticosteroid injections or physical therapy exercises.
* Heel Pain
* Morning pain
Plantar Fasciitis Causes Heel Spurs
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes inflammation and pain in your heel. This condition can affect your daily life, especially when it is severe. Treatment can include nonsurgical methods, depending on the severity. Surgery may be required if a nonsurgical approach fails to work.
If you are concerned that plantar fasciitis is the cause of your heel spurs, the first thing to do is see a doctor. A stab-like sensation in your heel may be present, which can often get worse in the morning. The pain could be caused by diabetes or something else. It’s usually not a serious condition, and it will go away by itself. In some cases, a doctor can recommend custom-made orthotics, which are donut-shaped inserts to help relieve pressure on the heel.
Plantar fasciitis symptoms are most severe when you get out of bed for the first time or after sitting for a while. They can also make climbing stairs a difficult task. In some cases, you may also experience pain during extended activity, such as walking, standing, or running. In these cases, you may need to change your lifestyle and lose weight.
A heel spur, a bony growth located under the heel and connecting to the plantar fascia, is a condition known as a heel spur. They can affect up to 15% of people. Most people don’t realize they have one until they feel pain in their heels. There are many treatment options available for heel spurs, from non-surgical to surgery.
Conservative treatment can help you get back to your normal lifestyle in three to twelve months. It is important to understand that the duration of treatment will vary from patient-to-patient and that you may need additional treatments at a later date. Surgery may be the best option if conservative measures fail to work.
Corticosteroid Injections Can Relieve Pain
Corticosteroid injections are one treatment that is commonly used to relieve chronic plantar fasciitis pain. The injections, also known as cortisone or steroid injections, work by burning the pain-producing nerves. However, there are some risks.
One type of corticosteroid injection involves inserting a needle into the affected area using ultrasound guidance. The ultrasound probe will be placed on one centimeter from the skin’s weight-bearing line. The doctor will then inject a solution that contains betamethasone, sodium phosphate, and bupivacaine.
Corticosteroid injections can be expensive, costing $50-300 per injection. They are much less expensive than surgical procedures. They are considered a last resort treatment. In addition to corticosteroid injections, other treatments that help reduce pain include orthotic inserts, stretching exercises, night splints, and rest.
While corticosteroid injections may be able to relieve heel pain bone spur morning pain, they are not a cure for the condition. You should use ice and stretching to help your feet heal after the procedure. To reap the full benefits, you may need several corticosteroid injectables.
Corticosteroid injections can be used to treat the damaged fat pad at the heel. The injections can be used temporarily to treat chronic plantar fasciitis. In most cases, a multifaceted approach will get you back on your feet within several months.
Stretching exercises and Physical Therapy can be Helpful
The treatment of heel pain caused bone spurs can be done with physical therapy. These exercises improve mobility and ease muscle tension. These exercises should not be performed in excess to put additional strain on the sacroiliac and heel spur. Strengthening or stretching exercises should be done to activate tissues and connective tissue regeneration.
There are many ways to fix this problem. You can first have a bone scan, an X-ray, and/or ultrasound. These tests will rule out other possible causes of heel pain. Ultrasonography is a nonradiation alternative to Xrays that can help you avoid radiation. To rule out underlying diseases that could cause your pain, you should also have a lab testing done.
Physical therapy exercises can also help reduce inflammation and increase muscle strength. By restoring muscle strength, the plantar fascia will be able to perform its normal function. Ice therapy and specialized stretching exercises may also be part of physical therapy. These treatments can help reduce inflammation and return you to a normal daily life.
To rule out other causes of morning pain, a doctor can take an X-ray of your heel. An X-ray can reveal if there are heel spurs. If the spurs are present, they can be treated without the need for surgery. To get a diagnosis, you should visit your foot or ankle clinic if you notice any symptoms.
Physical therapy can help reduce the pain caused by heel spurs. A physical therapist can assess your gait and suggest activities and motions that you should avoid. This will help eliminate the biomechanical imbalances that cause the problem.
There are Many Options for Treatment
Although there are many treatment options for heel pain, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis to determine the root cause. A physical examination can be used to identify the presence of a bone tumor. A physician can also use diagnostic imaging to find the exact location of the bone spur. While not all bone spurs are painful, approximately 5 percent cause pain in the foot.
The pain caused by bone spurs can be reduced by taking an anti-inflammatory medication, such as Advil or Motrin. These medications can’t permanently remove the bone spur and surgery may be an option. To determine the extent of a bone spur and determine the best treatment options, consult a podiatrist.
Anti-inflammatory medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve heel pain. Ice packs can also provide relief. It is important to remember that these medications shouldn’t be used for prolonged periods of times and should only be used sparingly. These medications can be used to reduce pain but they can also cause adverse side effects, such as high blood pressure.
A night splint is also an option for heel pain. Wearing a night splint will keep the foot in a 90-degree angle to the lower leg, which will help reduce the amount of stress placed on the affected area. Physical therapy can also help decrease the amount of pain associated with heel pain.
A doctor might recommend surgery to relieve heel pain. This is an option if you are unable or unwilling to walk. The procedure’s goal is to reduce inflammation. Patients should realize that surgery is not always the best option to treat bone spurs. The treatment may include NSAIDs and steroid injections. We have office in Overland Park and Kansas city. Dr Bembynista is a Board Certified Podiatrist-Foot Doctor
Frequency asked questions about Heel pain ?
1. What are the common causes of heel pain?
• Heel pain can be caused by various conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, bursitis, bone tumor, calcification of Achilles tendon and stress fractures of the heel bone
2. How is plantar fasciitis treated?
• Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, is typically treated with rest, stretching exercises, orthotic insoles, physical therapy, and sometimes anti-inflammatory medications. Some cases may require corticosteroid injections or surgery. Also use of PRP injections can help. Treatment works in nearly 99% of the cases
3. Are there home remedies for heel pain relief?
• Yes, there are home remedies that may help relieve heel pain, such as icing the affected area, using arch supports or heel cups, wearing supportive shoes, and stretching exercises. These can provide relief, especially in the early stages of heel pain and plantar fasciitis
4. How effective are orthotic insoles for heel pain?
• Orthotic insoles can be very effective for relieving heel pain, especially when it’s related to issues like flat feet or overpronation. Custom-made orthotics are often recommended for the best results with a success of 98%. Our 3-D custom orthotics are ready in only a week.
5. When is surgery recommended for heel pain?
• Surgery is very rare in my practice, just a few patients a year out of nearly a 1000 patients with heel pain seen per year. Conservative treatment works in 99% of the patients