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Heel Spur Treatment in Pune
Get advanced heel spur treatment in Pune with orthopaedic specialists offering pain management, physiotherapy, and surgical care when needed.
Overview
Heel pain can make simple daily activities like walking or standing extremely difficult. Many people experiencing persistent heel pain wonder if they have a heel spur. Understanding this common foot condition is essential for finding the right treatment and achieving lasting relief.
A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of your heel bone. These growths, made of calcium deposits, can extend up to half an inch and appear like small spikes on X-ray images. The medical term for these bony formations is osteophytes.
Here’s an important fact: not all heel spurs cause pain. Many people have heel spurs without knowing it and only discover them during X-ray examinations for other reasons. When heel pain does occur, it’s often related to plantar fasciitis rather than the spur itself. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes.
Symptoms
Heel spur symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. While many heel spurs cause no discomfort, those that do can create noticeable problems.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp, stabbing pain: Many people describe feeling like a knife or pin is sticking into the bottom of their foot, especially with the first steps after waking up
- Dull, persistent ache: After initial sharp pain, you might experience a continuous dull ache throughout the day
- Morning stiffness: Pain often returns after long periods of rest, such as when standing up after sitting
- Inflammation and swelling: The front of the heel may become swollen and feel warm to touch
- Tenderness: The bottom of the heel becomes very sensitive, making barefoot walking uncomfortable
- Visible protrusion: In some cases, you might notice a small bony bump under the heel
- Nerve-related symptoms: Rarely, if nerves are affected, you might experience numbness, burning, or tingling sensations
Remember, these symptoms are typically caused by soft tissue problems like plantar fasciitis rather than the heel spur itself.
Causes
Heel spurs develop gradually over many months as your body responds to ongoing stress and strain. The formation process involves several factors:
The primary causes include:
- Prolonged calcium buildup: Calcium deposits accumulate over time in response to repeated stress
- Strain on foot structures: Heavy, repeated strain on foot muscles and ligaments, particularly the plantar fascia
- Micro-trauma: When the plantar fascia repeatedly pulls on the heel bone during movement, it creates small injuries
- Body’s repair response: Your body tries to heal these injuries by creating extra bone tissue, forming the spur
- Membrane damage: Repeated tearing of the membrane covering the heel bone triggers spur development
- Repetitive activities: Running, jumping, or prolonged standing on hard surfaces increases heel stress
- Poor walking patterns: Irregular gait can place uneven pressure on the heel bone and surrounding tissues
- Inadequate footwear: Shoes lacking proper arch support or those that are poorly fitted increase stress on the heel
- Age-related changes: As we age, the plantar fascia becomes less flexible and the heel’s protective fat pad thins
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing heel spurs:
Lifestyle and Activity Factors:- Athletic activities involving running and jumping
- Frequent walking or exercising on hard surfaces
- Occupations requiring prolonged standing
- Wearing inappropriate footwear (flip-flops, high heels, worn-out shoes)
- Excess body weight or obesity
- Flat feet or very high arches
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Diabetes
- Inflammatory types of arthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
Diagnosis
Diagnosing heel spurs requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedist or podiatrist. The diagnosis process typically includes:
Medical History: Your doctor will ask about:
- When your pain started and how it has changed
- Activities that worsen or improve your symptoms
- Previous injuries or treatments
- Your activity level and footwear choices
Physical Examination: The doctor will:
- Examine your foot both at rest and while standing
- Check for tenderness, swelling, or redness
- Test your range of motion
- Assess your walking pattern
Imaging Studies:
- X-ray examination is the primary method to confirm heel spur presence
- The X-ray can show the bony protrusion clearly
- Additional imaging like MRI or ultrasound may be used to examine soft tissues
- If heel pain exists without a visible spur on X-ray, the condition might be called “heel spur syndrome”
Treatment
Conservative treatment approaches focus on addressing the underlying inflammation and soft tissue problems.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Immediate Relief Measures:
- Rest: Reduce activities that aggravate your heel pain
- Ice application: Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times daily
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation
Supportive Care:
- Orthotic devices: Custom inserts or heel pads provide cushioning and arch support
- Proper footwear: Well-fitting shoes with good arch support and shock-absorbent soles
- Night splints: Keep the plantar fascia stretched overnight to reduce morning pain
Active Treatment:
- Stretching exercises: Calf stretches, plantar fascia stretches, and foot flexibility exercises
- Strengthening exercises: Toe exercises, foot muscle strengthening
- Physical therapy: Professional guidance for exercise programs and techniques
- Corticosteroid injections: For severe cases, though these carry some risks
Alternative Therapies:
- Acupuncture
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
- Dry needling
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is considered only when severe heel pain persists for 8-12 months despite consistent conservative treatment. Surgical options include:
- Plantar fascia release: Partially cutting the plantar fascia to relieve tension
- Heel spur removal: Surgically removing the bony growth
- Pre-surgical evaluation determines eligibility and expected outcomes
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in both non-surgical and post-surgical treatment:
Conservative Care Rehabilitation:
- Physical therapy with customized exercise programs
- Progressive stretching and strengthening exercises
- Gait training and foot mechanics improvement
- Education on activity modification
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation:
- Healing time typically takes 8-12 weeks
- Use of bandages, crutches, and special shoes initially
- Gradual weight-bearing as advised by your surgeon
- Structured exercise program to regain full function
- Activity modification to prevent recurrence
Complications
While heel spurs are generally manageable, potential complications can occur:
From Untreated Conditions:
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Limited mobility and activity restrictions
- Development of compensatory movement patterns
From Treatment:
- Fat pad atrophy from corticosteroid injections
- Plantar fascia rupture risk with steroid injections
- Surgical complications including infection, numbness, scarring, or recurrent pain
Early treatment and proper medical guidance can help minimize these risks.
Prevention
Preventing heel spurs involves reducing repetitive stress on your feet and providing proper support:
Footwear Choices:
- Choose well-fitting shoes with good arch support
- Ensure shock-absorbent soles and supportive heel counters
- Replace worn-out shoes regularly
- Avoid frequent use of flip-flops or high heels
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce foot pressure
- Gradually increase activity intensity to avoid sudden strain
- Choose softer surfaces for running and exercising
- Address any gait abnormalities with professional help
Daily Care:
- Perform regular stretching exercises for calves and plantar fascia
- Don’t ignore early heel pain – rest and ice when needed
- Strengthen foot muscles with targeted exercises
Living With Diabetes
Once formed, heel spurs are permanent unless surgically removed. However, most people can live comfortably with heel spurs by managing associated symptoms:
Daily Management:
- Continue wearing supportive footwear
- Modify activities that worsen heel pain
- Listen to your body and rest when needed
- Maintain regular stretching routines
Long-term Care:
- Schedule regular check-ups if pain persists
- Stay active within comfortable limits
- Monitor for changes in symptoms
- Consider professional help for persistent issues
Many people with heel spurs lead active, pain-free lives with proper management and preventive care.
Key Takeaways
- Heel spurs are permanent bony growths caused by calcium deposits, but most don’t cause pain
- Symptoms often result from associated plantar fasciitis rather than the spur itself
- Non-surgical treatment is effective for over 90% of people with heel spur-related pain
- Prevention focuses on proper footwear, weight management, and regular stretching
At Sancheti Hospital, we understand the impact that heel pain and heel spurs can have on your daily life and mobility. Our experienced team of orthopedic specialists and podiatrists provides comprehensive care for foot and ankle conditions, including heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.
We offer advanced diagnostic services, including digital X-ray and ultrasound imaging, to accurately identify the source of your heel pain. Our treatment approach combines evidence-based conservative treatments with cutting-edge therapies, including physical therapy, custom orthotic devices, and minimally invasive procedures when necessary.
Our rehabilitation specialists work closely with patients to develop personalized exercise programs and provide education on prevention strategies. For complex cases requiring surgical intervention, our skilled surgeons utilize the latest techniques to ensure optimal outcomes and faster recovery.
At Sancheti Hospital, we are committed to helping you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle through comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Meet Our Foot and Ankle Specialists
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
Will walking make my heel spur worse?
Walking on soft surfaces with proper shoes won’t worsen the spur, but avoid hard surfaces and high-impact activities during pain flare-ups. Listen to your body and rest when needed.
Can I exercise with a heel spur?
Yes, but choose low-impact activities like swimming or cycling. Avoid running on concrete or jumping exercises until pain improves. Always warm up and stretch before exercising.
Do heel spur injections hurt and are they safe?
Corticosteroid injections cause temporary discomfort but provide significant pain relief for months. However, repeated injections can weaken tissues, so doctors limit their frequency.
Why is my heel pain worse in the morning?
Overnight, your plantar fascia tightens and shortens. The first steps stretch this tight tissue suddenly, causing sharp pain. Gentle stretching before getting out of bed can help.
Can heel spurs come back after treatment?
The original spur stays permanently, but pain rarely returns if you maintain good foot care habits. New spurs can develop if you return to activities that originally caused the problem.
