A heel spur, a small bony hook on the underside of your heel, can cause some serious pain. Heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis, another condition that causes heel and arch pain. At the office of Bonnie Vader, DPM, PC, in East New York, Brooklyn, New York, you can get the relief you’re seeking from heel spur discomfort. Call Dr. Vader’s office or use online booking now.

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What is a heel spur?

A heel spur is a hook-shaped growth on the bottom of your heel bone. Heel spurs look like bone, but they’re actually calcium deposits. Most heel spurs are quite small, but they can potentially grow up to a half-inch long. Heel spurs aren’t always painful, but in some cases, they can make it very difficult to stand or walk comfortably.

How are heel spurs related to plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes inflammation and tears in your plantar fascia ligament on the bottom of your foot. Plantar fasciitis typically causes severe heel pain, and may also cause arch pain. At least 50% of plantar fasciitis sufferers have bone spurs, but plantar fasciitis isn’t the direct cause of the bone spurs.

Dr. Vader, an expert in foot and ankle care, offers highly effective non-surgical methods to address and remove heel spurs with precision.

What causes heel spurs?

Heel spurs usually develop gradually because of muscle and/or ligament strain. The strain irritates your heel bone, and that’s the trigger for calcium deposit growth. Some common reasons for heel spur development can include:

  • Walking, running, or playing sports on hard surfaces
  • Unsupportive footwear
  • Arthritis
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Walking gait abnormalities

Sometimes, several factors can come together to cause heel spurs. During your visit to Bonnie Vader, DPM PC, Dr. Vader reviews your history and carries out a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your heel spurs. This typically includes X-rays with the on-site machine. Dr. Vader also observes your walking patterns and examines your footwear.

How are heel spurs treated?

If your heel spurs are causing pain or other problems, Dr. Vader immediately begins treatment with long-term effects in mind. She starts with the most conservative approach first, which can include over-the-counter pain relief medications, ice pack application, custom orthotics, and physical therapy. In some cases, Dr. Vader may recommend anti-inflammatory or corticosteroid injections to relieve pain, as well.

It’s rare to need heel spur surgery, but if conservative measures don’t help, Dr. Vader is a highly skilled foot and ankle surgeon who can expertly remove your heel spurs.

For the best Brooklyn heel spur treatment, reach out to Bonnie Vader, DPM, PC, online or by phone to set up your appointment now.