How to Treat Heel Spur for Complete Removal
Dec 25, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
Prolonged standing, walking, running, or engaging in other foot-related activities can place continuous pressure and friction on the plantar fascia and heel bones, leading to chronic inflammatory reactions and bone spurs. It is advisable to reduce foot-related activities, especially prolonged standing and walking; and to undergo physical therapy, such as heat application, ultrasound, etc., to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Generally, heel spurs may be caused by factors such as wearing improperly fitting shoes, overuse, heel arthritis, flat feet, or rheumatoid arthritis. General treatments and medication can help alleviate symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice for treatment. Details are as follows:
1. Improper footwear: Wearing unsuitable shoes, such as those that are too stiff, overly flat, or lack arch support, may alter the normal biomechanics of the foot, increasing pressure and friction on the heel area. Long-term exposure to such conditions may lead to bone spurs due to osteophyte formation at the edge of the heel bone. It is recommended to switch to appropriate footwear with soft soles and arch support. Shoe inserts or arch supports can also be used to reduce pressure on the heel.
2. Overuse: Prolonged standing, walking, running, or other foot-related activities may exert continuous pressure and friction on the plantar fascia and heel bones, leading to chronic inflammation and bone overgrowth. It is important to reduce foot activity, especially prolonged standing and walking. Physical therapies such as heat application and ultrasound may help relieve pain and inflammation.
3. Heel arthritis: Heel arthritis refers to inflammation of the heel joints, which may be caused by various factors such as trauma, wear and tear, or infection. Inflammation may lead to cartilage damage and bone overgrowth, eventually forming bone spurs. Anti-inflammatory medications such as celecoxib capsules, meloxicam tablets, or diclofenac sodium tablets may be used as directed by a physician.
4. Flat feet: Flat feet refer to collapsed arches, which cause abnormal pressure and friction on the plantar fascia and heel bones. Over time, this may lead to bone overgrowth and spur formation, often accompanied by plantar fasciitis. Treatment options may include soft tissue surgery, tendon transfer, or osteotomy, as recommended by a physician.
5. Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting joint synovium, leading to damage of joint cartilage and bones. In the heel area, rheumatoid arthritis may cause cartilage wear, bone overgrowth, and subsequent bone spur formation, often accompanied by fever. Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release tablets, etoricoxib tablets, or prednisone acetate tablets may be used under medical guidance.
Maintaining good lifestyle and dietary habits and engaging in appropriate physical exercise in daily life can help prevent the occurrence of heel spurs.
