Dealing with chronic foot pain can be debilitating and can lead to further injuries. The effects may impact every aspect of your life, and heel spurs are one of the most common issues. It’s important to understand the condition, so you seek proper care from a podiatrist before they become worse.

Your Guide to Heel Spurs

What Is a Heel Spur?

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that build up between the heel bone and arch of your foot. They cause pain, inflammation, and swelling at the front of the heel, though sometimes have no symptoms, making them difficult to diagnose. Feel the area to see if it’s warm if you aren’t sure. Common causes include arthritis, bruising, and issues related to wearing ill-fitting shoes that compress the feet and don’t provide enough support.

How Are They Treated?

Before beginning any sort of treatment, see a podiatrist for an official diagnosis. They’ll be able to then advise on the best course of action. Ways to alleviate pain include using a cold compress after rigorous activity, rest, and wearing orthotic shoe inserts. For more serious cases, a podiatrist can provide anti-inflammatory injections and medication, as well as physical therapy to practice at home. If your body doesn’t respond to these, they may want to explore surgery as an option.

How Do I Prevent Them?

The key to preventing heel spurs is to be mindful of your foot health. If you experience any sort of pain, see a podiatrist before conditions develop. Make sure to invest in high-quality shoes that offer plenty of support and padding and orthotics from your podiatrist if needed.

St. Peters Foot & Ankle is proud to offer a variety of services to patients from their two convenient locations in St. Peters and Florissant, MO. Podiatrist Dr. Sam T. Wood, DPM, and his team can address some issues, including heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, and sprains. Call (636) 720-0190 today to schedule a consultation and visit them online to explore their practice further.