Effective treatments for heel spurs

Heel spur treatment is similar to that of plantar fasciitis. Since all these medical conditions are correlated, the treatment options are more or less the same. Basically, heel spurs should be treated with ample amount of rest in order to reduce the inflammation of  the plantar fascia ligament. However, patients must know about the proper heel spur treatment options available these days to achieve quick healing:-

Medical treatment procedures 

• Shockwave therapy: This treatment method employs energy pulses for inducing micro trauma to the ligaments and tissues spread around the heel spur. In an Extracorporeal Shockwave Treatment (ESWT), the therapist applies curative shockwaves over the affected part of the heel that instantly stimulates a healing response within the inflamed ligaments and tissues, easing the acute heel pain. It needs around 3 to 4 months for this procedure to be fully effective. ESWT is mostly suggested to patients who have tried and tested the other treatments of heel spur but have failed to achieve any results.
• Cortisone steroid injections: Cortisone is a strong and effective anti-inflammatory injection which is directly injected into the heels and works almost instantly. Since, the effect of the injection lasts for only a month and it is unable to address the biochemical cause of the inflammation, patients might have to come back for more applications.
• Surgery: Though very rarely suggested by podiatrists, it is the last resort for curing the condition of heel spur as well as plantar fasciitis. An incision is made into the ligament by partially removing the plantar fascia to let the bony spur come out of it. (Read more..)

• Rest: Medical experts around the world suggest heel spur patients to take ample amount of rest and keep themselves from strenuous activities that aggravate the conditions. Take some day off from physical activities like running or jogging if you are having heel ailment and give your painful heels some rest. Only rest can alleviate the most intense pain and let the inflammation heel and settle down.
• Stretches and exercises: There are some stretches and exercises that are designed to slacken the ligaments and tissues around the heel bone. Perform these exercises twice daily to get fast relaxation.
• Apply ice packs to relieve heel pain: Ice bags can be applied on the affected part of the heel to reduce the piercing pain. This method is beneficial when heel spur symptoms surface.
• Night splints: These are worn at night and keep the heel stretched out while preventing the planter fascia from contracting and stiffening. Wearing a night splint can reduce the stabbing morning heel pain.
• Anti-inflammatory: For lessening the sharp heel pain and the inflammation of the plantar fascia, anti-inflammatory medicines can be used. Although, prescribed medicines are safer to use, over-the-counter medicines are also helpful.
• Orthotics: These are corrective foot devices and are highly beneficial in treating heel spurs effectively. These are different from gel heel cups or rubber foot beds that may provide a cushioning to your feet and heels but are unable to address the actual cause of heel spur. On the contrary, gel heel cups or rubber foot beds can make walking really uncomfortable and disrupt our natural gait. Orthotic insoles on the other hand provide support to the foot arches, re-aligning the lower legs and the ankle. Orthotic insoles work well in treating heel spurs in that they support the arches, thereby reducing the tension on the plantar fascia and thus giving the soft tissue a chance to heal.

How to prevent heel spur pain once you have gone through successful treatment?

• Opt for properly fitted footwear if you want to prevent the recurrence of calcaneus or heel spur. Faulty footwear can cause havoc to your heels harming the affected area all over again.
• To relieve pressure over the tender part of the ligament plantar fascia, patients can also use shoe inserts.
• Stretching and exercises should be continued to prevent the symptoms from coming back. Light movements will help in making your foot flexible while preventing any possible inflammation of the plantar fascia.
• Custom orthotics can also be considered by patients who have a faulty foot structure