About this topic
The heel bone is also called the calcaneus. It is the largest bone in the foot. It takes most of the pressure and shock when walking or running. A heel spur is an extra growth of bone on your heel. It may or may not cause pain. The spur may rub on the tendons or ligaments of the foot. This may cause swelling and, sometimes, pain. ‚
Treatment for heel spurs focuses on lifestyle changes. Cortisone injections or surgery may be needed if the lifestyle changes do not improve the pain. ‚
What care is needed at home?
Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do. ‚
Doctors begin treating heel spurs with lifestyle changes. This includes things like: ‚
- Weight loss
- Wearing well fit shoes
- Limiting use of high heeled shoes
- Stretching exercises
- Modifying stressful activities on the feet
If these changes do not improve signs, other treatments may be tried like: ‚
- Use heel pads and cushioned inserts especially during activities
- Ice. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Night splints that keep the foot flexed
- Cortisone injections
- Surgery
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may have you go see a specialist. You may need to see a foot doctor called a podiatrist.
- You may also need to see a physical therapist (PT). The PT will teach you exercises to help you get back your strength and motion.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activities may be limited due to pain. You may need to rest your heel for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. If you run, work out, or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Stress on feet during activities
- Not able to do activities like walking or running
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- After an activity, rest your feet.
- Stretch before activity.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Redness, swelling, and more or pain in the feet
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have redness, swelling, or more pain in my foot.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00149 ‚
American Podiatric Medical Association ‚
http://www.apma.org/Learn/FootHealth.cfm?ItemNumber=985 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚