Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Low Down on Heel Spurs

It is common for Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot and ankle specialist in Houston, TX to have patients hobbling in seeking treatment for their foot pain. Are you one who is tired of putting up with heel pain? You may have heel spurs and they need to be treated!

Not Talking About Cowboy Boots

In mentioning heel spurs, we are in no way referencing the spurs on those cowboy boots you save for line dancing. A heel spur is a calcium deposit on the bottom of your heel bone. It is a common foot condition and is typically associated with plantar fasciitis.

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is attached to your heel bone and connects to the ball of your foot. When there is too much strain on your foot and muscles, the plantar fascia stretches and where it is attached to the heel bone, a spur can develop. It is a slow process and often doesn’t pose a problem. Depending on the severity though, it can become extremely painful to wear certain shoes and other issues can develop.  If you have pain to the bottom of your heel when you first get out of bed in the morning, this is a sign of plantar fasciitis.

Can I Prevent Heel Spurs and What is the Treatment?

Observing a few key things can help avoid the development of a heel spur. If active, make sure you warm up well, stretch your foot toward your body, wear the right footwear for the activity you are involved in and pace yourself accordingly.

There are several treatment options Dr. Bowman can offer at his Houston Foot Specialists podiatric office. They include:
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Corrective shoes & Custom orthotics
  • Cortisone injections
  • Prescribed exercises
Laser treatments or Ultrasound treatments are also available to help reduce pain and surgery if the condition doesn’t respond to conservative treatments.

If you are feeling a sharp pain or dull ache in your heel, don’t live with the pain. Call Dr. Bowman today at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment. Find more information by visiting our website at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.
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3 comments:

  1. Exorbitant wear and tear on the foot and heel is the main cause of heel spurs.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was able to find good info from your content.
    Heel spur

    ReplyDelete