Heel spurs can cause massive pain and discomfort and limit your ability to walk, run, or exercise. This has drawn the attention of Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA. As such, they have set up several offices across Florida to keep you covered. The practice uses safe and effective treatment options to treat Tamarac heel spurs through fully personalized treatment plans. Other offices are located in Coral Springs, Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Hollywood, Boca Raton, and Las Olas Fort Lauderdale.
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What are Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs are tough calcium deposits on the front underside of a heel bone. In the initial stages, heel spurs may seem invisible to the naked eye. Your heel spurs become more visible in due time, having grown to over half an inch in length.
The effects of heel spurs are quite different from one patient to the next. Some patients experience persistent heel pain, while others report zero side effects.
Symptoms of Heel Spurs
Familiar symptoms of heel spurs include inflammation, pain, and swelling at the front of your heel(s). After a while, the front of your heel grows redder and warmer to every touch.
If left unchecked, the heel spurs grow bigger while the pain gradually radiates to the arch of your foot. As the spur enlarges, you may get visible ridges and bumps beneath the skin.
Causes of Heel Spurs
Most cases of heel spurs are associated with long-term wear and tear of ligaments and muscles in the feet. The progressive stress on your feet motivates calcium deposits to collect, resulting in spurs/bony growths.
Repetitive stress on your feet results from running, walking, and jumping, accelerated by:
- Uncomfortable/ill-fitting shoes
- Excess body weight
- Old/worn-out shoes
- Walking or gait issues
- Arthritis
Heel spurs are more prominent among patients with plantar fasciitis, a painful condition making the plantar fascia inflamed and swollen. The plantar fascia is made of a thick band of fibrous tissue running from toe to heel to aid your mobility.
Diagnosing Heel Spurs
The Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA team examines your lifestyle, symptoms, and health history to determine the root cause of your heel spurs and the best treatment plan for your heel spurs. Your provider may recommend a series of x-rays for a closer look at joints and bones in your feet.
Treatment of Heel Spurs
The treatment modicum for your heel spurs is based on their size, location, and effects on your daily life. Your provider at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, may recommend conservative and non-invasive treatments like cold compressions, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication.
If the symptoms persevere after medical intervention, your doctor may explore your eligibility for corticosteroid shots. The steroid injections ease pain and inflammation across your entire foot. You could also benefit from custom orthotics, stretching exercises, and physical therapy.
If your heel is subject to constant pain that proves unresponsive to the treatment options highlighted above, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Other Services Offered at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA
The practice also specializes in:
- Ankle trauma
- Hyperbaric oxygen treatment
- Autoimmune diseases
- Lymphedema
- Neuromas
- Bunions
- Cancer
- Plantar fasciitis
- Corns and calluses
- Poor circulation
- Diabetic foot
- Reconstructive foot surgery
- Diabetic ulcer
- Sprains
- Foot trauma
- Strains
- Fractures
- Traumatic injuries
- Hammertoes
- Tumors
- Heel pain
- Vein disorders
- Wound care
To discover more about the treatment of heel spurs and other services offered at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, call the nearest office or book online today.