Heel Spurs
What is a Heel Spur?
 An abnormal growth on the heel bone
 It is usually associated with Plantar
Fasciitis
 As the Plantar Fascia pulls away from the
bone, the space is filled with calcification
Predisposing Factors
 Pronated foot (flat foot)
 Supinated foot (high arch)
 Obesity
 Improperly fitted or worn shoes
 Women
 Dancers
 Gout
Facts
 The heel strikes the ground with 2,000 lbs
of force for every 100 lbs of body weight
Signs and Symptoms
 Pain on center or inner side of the bottom
of the heel
 Pain could radiate into arch or ankle
 Inflammation
 Swelling
 Painful first step in the morning
Examination
 Palpate bottom of the calcaneus
 X-rays
Treatment/Management
 Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories
 Ice compress
 Ultrasound
 Muscle stimulation
 Stretching
 Orthotics
 Cortisone injections
Orthotics
Heel Cups
Arch Support
Night Splint
Surgery
 Preformed in the podiatrist’s office
 Requires only a puncture under slight
anesthesia
 Piece of calcified bone is removed
 No stitches neccessary
Post Surgery
 Patient can walk and is usually pain free
after about a week
 Slight pain may persist for up to 6 months
 Can return to sitting job but no heavy
lifting for 8 weeks
Surgery
Non-evasive surgery
 Extra-corporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
 Uses sound waves to stimulate blood and
oxygen flow to the injured area which causes the
break down of diseased tissue and growth of
new healthy cells
 The machine is called the Orbasone machine
which consists of a portable vacuum machine
with a movable arm
 A jarsized electrode is placed on sight of pain
and patient receives 1,000 to 4,000 high energy
pulses every 2 seconds
Non-evasive surgery
 Patient only experiences minor pain and
bruising on the heel
 Recovery time is only a few days
References
 http://www.acfas.org/brheelds.html
 http://www.ourfootdoctor.com/yourfeet_he
el.shtml
 http://www.footsmart.com/ProductRecords.
aspx?category=HP&pgtitle=Heel%20Spur
%20Relief&srccode=IP59
 http://www.foot.com/info/cond_heel_spurs.
jsp?source=overture
References
 http://www.personalhealthzone.com/heels
purs.html
 http://www.footdoc-il.com/heel.htm
 http://www.footcaredirect.com/heel.html
 http://www.thefootspecialist.com/heelspurs
.html