Heel Spur Surgery

Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are protrusions of bone that occur along bone edges. Bone spurs that develop on the heel normally form where the heel bone meets connective tissue, explains MayoClinic.com. Although small bone spurs on the heel generally cause no symptoms, pain and loss of mobility typically increase over time. Heel spurs affects about 10 percent of the population, according to 2010 information from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. Step 1 Night Splints – Night splints are worn to keep the heel stretched during sleep. They prevent the arch of the foot from becoming contracted at night, which reduces pain. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia serves to retain the arch of the foot, and serve as a spring board or shock absorber as you place your foot on the ground. Causes of plantar fasciitis range from a sudden impact, repetitive trauma, improper shoe gear and overuse. Obesity, flat feet and bio-mechanical problems and obvious vocations tend to aggravate this sometimes disabling condition. Women tend to have the health more frequently than men due to the shoe gear women wear. Feb 11, 2011 By Kelly Ashton, PT Photo Caption Stretching is an important component of treating heel pain. Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images Structures that insert into the calcaneus need special consideration as tightness in these structures can lead to pain. As discussed in Dr. Frank Netter's "Atlas of Human Anatomy" book, published in 1997, the Achilles' tendon, which is the common tendon of the calf muscles, has some fibers that come down to insert into the calcaneus at the same part of the bone where the plantar fascia itself inserts. Several smaller muscles that move the foot insert into this bone as well. Conservative Treatments Borax – Another great soaking substance is Borax and again, very warm water. In addition to this providing relief from swelling. Borax specifically treats the heel spur The plantar fascia is made of a protein called "collagen". The second reason that our plantar fascia becomes tighter with age is due to the difference in collagen chemistry between older and younger people. With age collagen becomes less elastic, and therefore more prone to tearing. A similar mechanism causes skin to wrinkle with age. The reduced activity of many adults and the differences in collagen chemistry between children and adults, causes a tendency of the plantar fascia to become shorter, tighter, and more prone to tearing with age. If all these measures still don't work, you should really visit a good doctor, or a physio therapist or a podiatrist. One very important tip for heel spur treatment is to lose weight. People who are overweight add much more stress on their lower extremities. Their legs and feet have to bear the heavy weight of their body. If a person weighs about 200 pounds or more, they are more likely to develop a calcaneal spur Losing weight is not only good for the feet. It is also beneficial to your overall health and physical condition. These are some very simple but useful guidelines for heel spur treatment. Make sure that you keep them in mind to treat your heel spur problem. Treatment of calcaneus spur is the similar as cure of plantar fasciitis. Since these problems are related, the treatment is the equal. The first step in the treatment of a heel spur is short term rest and inflammation control. Do ice massage of your sore heel This will help in reducing the inflammation. If it fails to provide any relief, you can purchase reusable hot and cold gel packs. Use these gel packs to give alternate baths to your feet. In particular avoid strenuous activities like running, or fast walking and avoid the treadmill or stairmaster at the gym. Instead aim for walking or using a bike for exercise. This is a variation of the yoga "staff pose." Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Place a strap or neck tie around the bottom of your right foot. With one end in each hand, pull back gently on the strap to flex your foot while keeping your back as upright as possible. Feel the stretch through the back of your heel. Hold for a count of 10, relax and repeat with the left foot. Recommendations Experts suggest different for physical examination as a primary treatment process. In addition, X-ray evaluation, recommended taping, prescribe appropriate medicine, administer injections r perform surgery as needed.