Heel pain can completely take over your life. Everything you do, whether it’s walking, standing, or even exercising, can be virtually unbearable. For many patients, ongoing heel pain is often caused by a heel spur, which is an outgrowth of bone on the underside of the heel bone. If you are currently struggling with chronic heel pain and you’re thinking about your options for relief, understanding treatment for heel spurs and everything to expect before and after the procedure can help you find a path to lasting relief.
At Daniel Foot and Ankle Center, we have treated numerous patients with heel pain using an individualized and effective approach. This blog will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you are as informed as possible to take your next step toward living free of heel pain, from identifying the symptoms of heel spurs to post-treatment recovery.
What Are Heel Spurs?
A heel spur is a calcium deposit that protrudes from the bottom of the heel bone. Heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the ligament on the bottom of the foot that can lead to sharp, stabbing pain with the first steps after getting up in the morning.
Most people realize they have heel spurs only when they go to get treatment for their ongoing foot pain. If not treated, the pain associated with heel spurs will continue to worsen over time and can lead to impaired mobility and quality of life.
Symptoms That Signal Heel Spurs
Some of the most common signs include
Intense pain at the heel, mostly when walking or following it
Inflammation and swelling of the front of the heel
Heat at the site and radiating warmth
Sensitivity to help walking barefoot
A continuous ache in the heel throughout the day
If you are experiencing these symptoms and live in the area, make sure you contact your local foot doctor, Hickman, to assess your needs and to give you tests like X-rays.
Before Treatment: Diagnosis and Evaluation
Before any treatment for a heel spur, proper diagnosis is essential. At the Daniel Foot and Ankle Center, we begin the treatment process with a thorough assessment, including:
Physical assessment of the foot
Imaging (X-rays) to confirm a heel spur
Evaluation of medical history and lifestyle patterns
This process allows us to assess if the heel spur is directly responsible for the pain or if it is due to different issues that could include plantar fasciitis, a high ankle sprain, or general overuse injuries. The assessment provides you with an individual and effective treatment plan option.
Treatment for Heel Spurs: Options That Work
Fortunately, a large number of patients are treated successfully with non-surgical treatments. At Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, we always start with conservative care.
1) Rest and Activity modification
Taking pressure off the heel will help to reduce inflammation. The patient may be restricted from high-impact activity, including running or prolonged standing.
2) Custom foot orthotics and footwear
Support is essential in treating heel spurs. We have custom foot orthotics that will provide specific arch support and cushioning for the bone spur, aiding the redistribution of force away from the heel spur.
3) Physical Therapy
Stretching is common in a heel spur treatment plan along with strengthening exercises for the calf muscles and plantar fascia. Physical therapy will hopefully relieve tension through better foot mechanics.
4. Medication to reduce inflammation
NSAIDs (over-the-counter medications) and prescriptions reduce pain and inflammation. If a case is more persistent, we use cortisone injections to relieve symptoms temporarily.
5. Shockwave treatment
A non-invasive treatment option involving sound waves to promote tissue healing in the affected area. This new treatment option is starting to be offered at elite clinics like ours. Chronic cases tend to be the most beneficial.
In many situations, after several treatments of conservative care, patients start to make improvements within a few weeks. Pain may persist for a while; however, if the pain has not improved after several months, we may look at a surgical option.
Surgical Treatment for Heel Spurs
Although surgery is infrequently necessary with heel spur treatments, there are situations when surgical care becomes an option with the failure of conservative treatments. The surgical procedure includes:
Removal of the heel spur
Release of the plantar fascia (when indicated)
Address inflammation of the surrounding tissue
Often, the surgical procedure is performed as an outpatient service, and recovery is usually several weeks long. After the surgery, the patient is usually instructed to wear a walking boot and follow up with physical therapy to regain function and strength.
At Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, all surgical options are reviewed with the patient, and the realization that surgery is only warranted as a last resort is emphasized.
After Treatment: Recovery and Results
The recovery time after treatment for heel spurs can differ depending on how you treat them, whether or not you had surgery, and the time of the treatment process. With the majority of non-surgical treatments, you are looking at a longer-term timeframe, while surgical recovery will have a more definite, structured timeframe.
What to Anticipate After Treatment:
Pain Relief: For the majority, pain levels also significantly diminish within a couple of weeks of treatment.
Mobility Changes: As the inflammation subsides, walking and running, as well as standing for longer periods, become easier.
Confidence Changing: With the patient’s steady improvement, they often feel more confident returning to their daily routines or activities they may have avoided.
We frequently hear from patients who previously lived with severe foot pain in Houston and are now taking pain-free strides after working through a customized treatment plan at Deniel Foot and Ankle Center.
Patient Story: Before and After
One of our patients was a 48-year-old teacher who entered our clinic with a complaint of chronic heel pain that was getting worse during the school day. She had lived with the condition for over a year, functioning on pain medication and soft insoles. After a full assessment, we confirmed that she had a large heel spur exacerbated by lengthy periods of standing.
We started the patient on physical therapy, custom orthotics, and lifestyle changes. After 6 weeks of treatment, she reported a 70% reduction in her pain. After 12 weeks, she was back on her feet comfortably and was enjoying full days without the previous discomfort. She avoided surgery altogether and maintains a preventative care regimen with routine revisits at our clinic.
We often hear stories like this when good care changes everything.
Preventing Heel Spurs from Coming Back
Recovery does not stop when the pain goes away. We educate all of our patients on prevention strategies to help reduce the risk of recurrence, such as
Wearing supportive shoes with good arch support
Maintaining a healthy weight to lessen the load on the feet
Stretching routinely, especially after standing for prolonged periods
Avoid barefoot walking on hard surfaces
Tackling foot conditions outright, like high ankle sprains or flat feet.
Why Choose Deniel Foot and Ankle Center?
If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable medical care for heel spurs and related foot conditions, Deniel Foot and Ankle Center is a trusted partner. Here are a few reasons why:
Treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle and needs
Modern equipment and the latest diagnostic techniques
A patient-first culture emphasizing comfort, clarity, and results
Flexible hours and locations to fit your needs
Whether you are suffering from heel spurs, foot pain in Houston, or you are just recovering from a high ankle sprain, our team is here to help you along your path to recovery.
Conclusion
Heel spurs are painful and can also be frustrating. However, heel spurs are very manageable with the appropriate means of approach. The treatment for heel spurs has come a long way from simple rest and ice to focal shockwave therapy and orthotic fabrication. If you intervene early and utilize expert care, you will not only be able to prevent having any surgery, but you will also be on your way to relief that will be long-lasting.
At Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, our passion is to provide state-of-the-art patient care and allow every patient to return to walking pain-free. The starting point to your pain relief journey begins with one single step. Contact us today and schedule your consultation.
