Heel spurs may make it difficult to perform many of the tasks you used to take for granted, from walking your dog to training for your next 10K. Fortunately, Drs. Marc Goldberg, Adam Lowy, and Michael Frank offer heel spur treatments at their offices in Kensington, Olney, Silver Spring, and Camp Springs/Clinton, MD.
What are heel spurs?
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form on the bottom of your heel bone. You may be more likely to develop heel spurs if:
- You participate in sports or activities that involve running or jumping, particularly if those activities are conducted on hard surfaces
- You injured your heel
- You are overweight
- You are female
- You wear shoes that don't offer enough cushioning and support
- You are over 50
- You have plantar fasciitis, a condition that occurs when the plantar fascia on the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed
- You roll your foot inward (pronation) or outward (supination) when you walk
What are the symptoms of heel pain?
Common symptoms of heel spurs include:
- An ache or stabbing sensation in your heel
- A visible bump under the bottom of your heel
- Warmth and swelling near the front part of your heel
Heel spurs don't always cause pain. In some cases, painful heel symptoms may actually be associated with plantar fasciitis rather than your heel spur.
What can I do about my heel spurs?
Rest, ice packs, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can be helpful in decreasing pain and reducing swelling due to heel spurs. If pain is severe and anti-inflammatories don't help, your podiatrist may recommend corticosteroid injections to ease pain and inflammation.
Selecting footwear that adequately cushions and supports your heel and arch can also be helpful, as can wearing orthotics. Orthotics are shoe inserts custom-designed for your foot by your podiatrist. These inserts add a layer of cushioning and relieve pressure on your heels. Orthotics also stretch your fascia and keep your foot properly aligned, preventing pronation or supination.
Need relief? Give us a call
Schedule an appointment with your podiatrists, Drs. Marc Goldberg, Adam Lowy, and Michael Frank, by contacting one of our offices in Kensington, Olney, Silver Spring, or Camp Springs/Clinton, MD, today:
- (301) 942-8110 for the Kensington
- (301) 924-5044 for the Olney
- (301) 439-0300 for the Silver Spring
- (301) 868-7670 for the Camp Springs/Clinton