How Did I Get A Heel Spur?

How Did I Get A Heel Spur?

Many people assume that foot problems only happen in the arch, ankle or toes, but some patients experience problems specifically related to the heel of the foot. A heel spur is an unnatural growth on the foot that can become a painful problem if it’s not treated in a timely fashion. Learn Heel Painwhat causes heel spurs and how you can have them treated at Prestige Podiatry, the office of Dr. Jeffrey Agricola, your Indianapolis podiatrist.​

What Is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur is a growth that forms on the heel bone over time. It commonly occurs on the bottom of the heel near the plantar fascia tissue that runs along the base of the foot. In some cases, a patient who suffers from plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue) will also have a heel spur. Symptoms develop over time and eventually cause sharp pains in the foot when walking if it’s not treated. It’s a condition that can be diagnosed with a hands-on exam and X-rays by your Indianapolis podiatrist. 

How Do You Get a Heel Spur?
Patients who develop heel spurs often don’t know what caused it. A heel spur usually forms over a long period of time, months or years, due to strain and pressure on the ligaments and membranes that are attached to the heel bone. Athletes, people who often walk long distances and people who are overweight are more prone to developing heel spurs. Age and medical conditions like diabetes can also predispose a patient to this foot problem.

Treatments for Your Heel Spur
The most common treatment for a heel spur is to wear an orthotic device that gives your feet relief and comfort. A doctor may also recommend pain medication or administer a corticosteroid shot for inflammation. Physical therapy and foot exercises may also help. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to remove the heel spur or relieve pressure on the plantar fascia issue.

Let Prestige Podiatry “Fix Your Feet”
Dr. Agricola, a podiatrist and board certified surgeon of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, specializes in treatments that will fix your feet and keep them healthy. Call his Indianapolis office at (317) 881-0070 to schedule an initial examination and consultation for treating your heel spurs.