Running with Heel Spurs

The Run or Dye 5K, taking place on September 14th in Houston, TX is calling all runners to come out and have some colorful fun! Get blasted with safe colored dye and pass the finish line in Technicolor fashion. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just looking for a reason to get out and have fun, this race is for you.

The joy of a once-in-a-lifetime experience like this can be seriously dampened with a foot condition such as heel spurs. If you run regularly and have been experiencing sharp pains in your feet when you get up in the morning, dull pain during the day and discomfort while walking or running, a heel spur could be the cause.

A heel spur is actually a calcium deposit that forms on the heel usually stemming from a primary condition such as plantar fasciitis, an injury where tendons in the foot become inflamed. Running puts tons of stress on your feet and while a condition such as spurs can be painful, it can be managed to keep you on the road.

If you are gearing up for a race such as The Run or Dye Houston, take some rest from training beforehand. Icing for ten to fifteen minutes a few times a day will help to ease swelling. Before you get back on your feet, assess your footwear. If they do not have the support, shock absorption and cushioning your feet need, especially in the heel area, shell out the dollars for a new pair. The brands New Balance and Brooks offer some great running shoe options for people with spurs.

One of the best things you can do as a runner is to have a podiatrist such as Dr. Jeff Bowman be a part of your team. He can diagnose any pain, provide the right treatment and offer valuable advice to keep you healthy and able to run! Call Houston Foot Specialists in Houston, TX today at (713) 467-8886 with any questions or if you need treatment.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Related articles

• Heel Spurs, Plantar Fasciitis, Heel pain
• Some Suprising facts about Heel pain and Plantar Fasciitis
• Learn How To Get Heel Spur Pain Relief With A Findlay Foot Surgery Procedure

How to Get Rid of Heel Spurs

Andres Torres, outfielder for the San Francisco Giants knows all too well the struggle involved in dealing with nagging foot pain. An Achilles tendon injury in 2011 left him with recurring pain that has now led to the need for surgery to remove heel spurs in his foot.

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form on your heel. Often time spurs cause no pain and many people aren’t even aware that they are there. There are other situations though when they can lead to significant, chronic pain, such as plantar fasciitis, which goes hand-in-hand with heel spurs. Shooting pain when stepping out of bed in the morning or swelling and discomfort while walking and running can impact a person’s quality of life.

The best course of defense against this common foot problem is to take a break! Whether you are an athlete or not, take a rest from activities that put stress on your feet. Anti-inflammatory medications and icing several times a day often lessen the severity of symptoms. Next, support your feet the best way possible. A great help for those with heel problems is to use a pair of custom orthotic inserts. They take pressure off your heel, reducing pain. Physical therapy and stretching exercises can also help get rid of the symptoms from spurs.

If you have this type of condition, you may find yourself in the same position as Torres, needing surgery to bring the affected foot back to full health and function. Avoid getting to this point and contact Houston, TX podiatrist Dr. Jeff Bowman from the start. Quick action when symptoms first arise goes a long way in preventing a serious spur problem. Make an appointment with Houston Foot Specialists today by calling (713) 467-8886.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved 

Related articles

• Don't Ignore Your Heel Pain That May Give You Trouble In Future
• How To Get Heel Spur Pain Relief With A Findlay Foot Surgery Procedure
• Of Plantar Fasciitis and Heartburns

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.

Related articles

• How to Make Your Own No-Sew Plantar Fasciitis Sock
• Shopping For The Holidays? Wear the Right Footwear, say Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Surgeons
• Footminders insoles Review