Do You Have Heel Spurs? Common Symptoms and When to See a Doctor

Bony growths can develop along different parts of the feet. While many of those growths are easily identifiable, the same may not be said for heel spurs. Here at Pivotal Foot and Ankle Surgeons, we help residents of St. Joseph, MO, Kansas City, MO, Parkville, MO, and Platte City, MO, deal with heel spurs and their symptoms. Contact Dr. Russell Grimes, Dr. Ross Bartley, or Dr. Tyler Sten today so we can address that potentially problematic foot issue as soon as possible.

Why Are Heel Spurs Hard to Identify?

Since heel spurs are growths that develop near the heel, you might have assumed that they will quickly make their presence felt. The heels are often in contact with the ground, so any pressure your feet are subjected to should also affect heel spurs. If you’ve been living with heel spurs for a while, you know they don’t work that way.

Heel spurs can grow in your feet without you noticing them. Most of the time, they are completely painless. You can walk, run, or stand for extended periods and experience no discomfort whatsoever. You may experience discomfort associated with heel spurs if they are affecting surrounding tissues. The soft tissues in your feet may come in contact with the heel spurs and sustain damage. If those soft tissues become irritated and inflamed, they will cause significant pain.

Recognizing heel spurs can also be difficult because their symptoms are often mistaken for plantar fasciitis. Notably, plantar fasciitis is a condition that develops when the tissues collectively known as the plantar fascia sustain damage from excessive pressure. The onset of plantar fasciitis may eventually cause the formation of heel spurs, but those foot conditions are not the same.

When Should You Request Treatment for Heel Spurs?

Requesting treatment for heel spurs isn’t necessary unless they are actively causing discomfort. Although heel spurs won’t disappear, they can remain in your feet without creating problems. Treatment becomes necessary if the heel spurs are interfering with your daily life.

Common treatments for heel spurs include rest and ice application. Your podiatrist may also prescribe medication that eases the inflammation in your affected foot. Physical therapy and exercises are similarly helpful for treating heel spurs. Using orthotics can also help if your pain is caused by improper foot alignment.

Experience Lasting Relief from Heel Spurs

Allow Dr. Grimes, Dr. Bartley, and Dr. Sten of Pivotal Foot and Ankle Surgeons to treat your heel spurs. Call 816-364-2338 to book your treatment appointment in St. Joseph, MO, Kansas City, MO, Parkville, MO, and Platte City, MO.