Treatment for Heel Spurs
in the Niagara Falls, NY Area

A heel spur is a calcium deposit that’s developed on the calcaneus, or heel bone. Any type of bone spur grows on the edge of the bone, typically near joints. The foot and ankle are one of the most common areas for a bone spur to develop.

A heel spur doesn’t just develop overnight, it takes many months to grow. They’re often caused by strains on the foot muscles and ligaments, particularly the plantar fascia. This is the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Repeatedly tearing this tissue can cause a heel spur to develop.

While heel spurs are most commonly found in athletes who run and jump, anyone is at risk for developing one. Check out the following section to see some of the risk factors for heel spurs.

• Running and jogging on hard surfaces
• Wearing poor-fitting shoes, especially those without the proper arch support
• Spending most of the day on one foot
• Frequent bursts of physical activity
• Having flat feet or high arches
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Aging reduces flexibility in the plantar fascia, which causes it to thin
  

In some cases, people with heel spurs don’t experience any symptoms. But chronic or intermittent pain that’s developed from walking or running has been found in patients with heel spurs. After physical activity, inflammation can develop over the point of spur formation. This type of pain and inflammation is not from the heel spur itself, but the soft-tissue injury that’s developed as a result of it.

People with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs often experience similar symptoms. When people stand up in the morning, it can feel like a knife or pin is sticking out of the bottom of their foot. As the day goes on, the pain turns into a dull ache. It often returns when people stand up after sitting for long periods of time.

There are a variety of treatments available for people with heel spurs, from non-surgical to surgical options. A trusted foot doctor will assess the severity of the heel spur to determine the right treatment for your lifestyle and needs. Check out the following section to gain a better understanding of the various heel spur treatment options.

Non-Surgical

Many people with heel spurs have found relief from non-surgical treatment options. Oftentimes, changing up their routines or finding the right shoes can reduce their discomfort. The pain tends to develop after prolonged rest or extensive walking. The following conservative treatments have been found to help people with heel spurs.

• Wearing proper fitting shoes
• Using custom shoe inserts
• Physical therapy
• Night splints
• Taping the foot to allow the stressed muscles and tendons to rest

Surgical

In cases of severe heel spurs, a foot doctor may recommend surgery to release the plantar fascia or remove the heel spur. Surgical treatments are only done after conservative options have failed. Just like any type of surgery, there is a risk for complications. In most cases, the recovery time following heel spur surgery is about three weeks. A full recovery can take up to three months for some patients to walk without discomfort. Since everyone is unique, recovery times can vary - which is why it's crucial to receive care from a trusted foot doctor.

Contact Our Foot Doctor in Niagara Falls, NY for Top-Quality Heel Spur Treatments

While any type of foot problem is debilitating, our foot doctors have the proper knowledge and tools to provide quality care for patients with heel spurs. We have years of experience in treating foot issues like heel spurs for people across Niagara Falls, Lockport, NY and the surrounding areas. If you’re struggling with a heel spur, turn to our foot doctors for top-quality treatment options. Contact our office in Niagara Falls, NY to schedule an appointment with our foot doctor.