Expert Treatment for Heel Spurs in St. Joseph, Kansas City, Parkville & Platte City, MO
Bone spurs are growths that can form on different parts of the body. Those growths may even emerge on your heels at some point. While heel spurs may not always cause issues, there are also instances when they are impossible to ignore. If you are struggling with heel spurs in St. Joseph, Kansas City, Parkville, or Platte City, MO, contact Dr. Russell Grimes, Dr. Ross Bartley, and Dr. Tyler Sten of Pivotal Foot and Ankle Surgeons to receive expert assistance.
What Are Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs are byproducts of excessive foot strain. When the muscles and connective tissues in the feet are subjected to enough strain, the body typically responds to that interaction by creating a calcium deposit along the underside of the heel. Eventually, the body creates enough calcium deposits to create a bony growth. That growth is what we recognize as the heel spur.
Individuals who put too much stress on their feet because of their chosen activities, gait, or footwear are more susceptible to developing heel spurs. Your chances for developing that bony growth are also higher if you are overweight or have diabetes.
Most people with heel spurs often don’t realize they have them because they cause no symptoms. Unfortunately, others do experience significant foot discomfort due to the inflammation associated with a heel spur.
Don’t hesitate to seek treatment if your heel spurs are causing you constant pain. Talk to a podiatrist about that injury so you can decide on a course of treatment.
How Are Heel Spurs Treated?
After living with heel spurs for a while, you may find that seeking treatment is necessary. Thankfully, heel spurs are fairly manageable foot conditions.
Treatments for heel spurs primarily focus on alleviating foot pressure. Your doctor will examine your shoes and recommend new options or orthotics if they are squeezing your feet. Podiatrists may also recommend stretching exercises so the muscles and connective tissues in your feet don’t sustain as much damage while you’re performing regular activities.
If your heel spurs are already causing intense discomfort, your doctor may prescribe medication to alleviate your pain. Physical therapy is another solution for managing the pain caused by heel spurs. That treatment can also help address any lack of flexibility you have been experiencing.
Surgery is also an option for treating heel spurs. However, doctors may not consider this option until they’ve exhausted all other forms of treatment. Your podiatrist can remove the spur responsible for your discomfort through surgery.