When heel pain becomes really severe and the basic treatments fail to provide relief, then heel spur surgery is the next option.

A heel spur is a bony growth at the back of the heel or below the heel. This makes walking painful and can even be debilitating.

When located behind the heel, a heel spur is related with Achilles tendinitis. The Achilles tendon is considered the strongest tendon in the human body but it is prone to injury. Since it connects the calf muscles to the heel, any injury is felt as heel pain.

If a heel spur is located below the heel, it is attributed to plantar fasciitis. It is a common condition among runners and people who are active in sports. Heel spurs form when plantar fasciitis is chronic. A spur is a calcification or bone growth that forms as a response to injury.

Although most heel spurs do not cause pain, some of them can be painful and may disrupt normal daily activities. This is often the case when Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis is not managed properly. People with severe heel spurs usually do not find relief with ice packes, hot compress, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and orthotics. For these patients, heel spur surgery is the option to have a normal lifestlye.

Surgery includes release of the plantar fascia and removal of the spur. In most patients, a simple plantar fascia release is enough to relieve pain.

After surgery, the foot should be elevated, compressed, and ample time should be allotted before any weight is placed on the foot. Canes, crutches, casts, and splints are often recommended after surgery. However, there are complications that can happen after surgery. These are nerve pain, recurrent heel pain, numbness which can be permanent, instability, foot cramps, stress fracture, scarring, and infection.

It is best to prevent heel spurs by wearing good fitting shoes with excellent sole support, doing stretching exercises in the morning before getting out of bed, and avoiding activities that put too much strain on the feet.

For persistent heel pain due to plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, ESWT or shockwave therapy is a noninvasive and painless alternative to surgery.

For more information on heel pain and ESWT, visit naplesheelpain.com

Family Foot and Leg Center is a medical center specializing in healing health issues with lower leg and ankle. Come to us to get treatment for all your foot and lower leg disorders or obtain information about our practices at www.FamilyFootandLegCenter.com

Contact Details:

Clinical Director: Kevin Lam DPM

Company Name: Family Foot & Leg Center, P.A.

Company Address: 661 Goodlette Road, Suite 103

12250 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 101

Naples, FL

Work Phone: 239 430 3668