A heel spur is a calcium deposit that builds up on the bottom of the heel due to repetitive stress on the foot ligaments over time. The body responds to the stress by producing extra bony tissue that eventually forms a heel spur. Common causes include excessive walking or running, ill-fitting or worn-out footwear, excess body weight, and arthritis. While just about anyone can develop a heel spur, the condition frequently affects those who have flat feet or high arches, or spend a lot of time on their feet.

Some heel spurs do not cause discomfort or require treatment. But if you have nagging heel pain, you don’t have to stay off your feet and resign yourself to living with it. The foot and ankle specialists at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Thermopolis, Wyoming, can get to the bottom of your pain and suggest an appropriate treatment plan to relieve it. We’ll have you back on your feet in no time!

We Can Provide an Accurate Diagnosis & Appropriate Treatment

To confirm your diagnosis, your physician at Premier Bone & Joint Centers will begin with a physical examination to rule out other conditions that could be affecting your heel, such as plantar fasciitis (which can cause the same symptoms as a heel spur). From there, your physician will likely order an X-ray, which is the only way to verify the presence of a heel spur.

Heel spur treatment can vary depending on the severity of the pain. Many people do well with a brief period of rest followed by a regimen of gentle stretches and low-impact exercises. For moderate pain, your physician may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or injections; for severe pain, he or she may suggest surgery to remove the problematic heel spur.

If you think you might have a heel spur, contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers today to schedule an appointment with a foot doctor at our satellite clinic in Thermopolis, WY.