The origins of the disease and methods of treatment for the heel spurs

Pain in the heel area is the first sign of plantar fasciitis, which leads to the formation of the heel spur. The disease is an inflammation of the fibroid band of connective tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot. This tendon consists of many strong but not very elastic fibers that are prone to trauma under heavy loads. They can be torn or ruptured. This causes an inflammatory process that is also accompanied by a pain syndrome. Treatment in a clinic under the supervision of a doctor is a key to the proper therapy of the heel spur and subsequently to its healing.

The heel spur occurs as the result of chronic inflammation.

If the disease is not treated, the pathological focus grows and affects the bone. Bone cells replace the tendon tissue at the junction with the bone. Over a period of time calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone and a spur-like bone growth is formed.

Signs and symptoms of a heel spur                 

Contact the clinic for diagnosis and subsequent therapy if you notice:

• Pain in the heel when walking, exercising or lifting a heavy load. Pain initially occurs in the morning, but over time it can appear at any time of the day or night.
• Swelling can also indicate the formation of heel spurs.
• It is difficult to walk or lean on the inflamed limb.

When pain in the foot appears, it is important to consult an orthopedist-traumatologist. A number of conditions present themselves with similar symptoms. Self-treatment can lead to serious complications, up to and including impaired foot function and the formation of contractures (joint immobility).

Causes of heel spurs

The following factors contribute to the occurrence of the disease:

The first and most important reason for development of heel spurs is that the patient ignores regular pain in the heel area in earlier stages

• flat foot
• iincorrect gait
• age-related slowdown of metabolism and blood circulation in the lower limbs
• overweight and obesity
• diabetes mellitus
• orthopaedically unhealthy and uncomfortable shoes
• a job that requires a lot of standing
• professional sports and injuries
• vascular disorders of the lower limbs, musculoskeletal system
• heredity

Methods of treatment of heel spurs

The main purpose of therapy of the disease is to eliminate inflammation and pain, and to treat the tendon in order to increase its elasticity. The more flexible the fascia is, the less chance of re-traumatization.

Good results in the treatment of heel spurs can be achieved with a physical therapy method that stretches the fascia at the same time as the natural process of fiber healing takes place.

The doctor’s supervision is often underestimated. The exercises are simple enough, but it is not so easy to do them correctly. And the effectiveness of the treatment of the disease depends directly on precise, targeted action. That is why it is worth going to a clinic and having your heel spur treated under the supervision of a doctor.

Shock Wave Therapy

Effective at any stage of the disease, the SWT method helps:

• more quickly eliminates the pain syndrome that is accompanied with tissue inflammation,
• accelerates metabolism and blood circulation and tissue regeneration in the area of the heel spurs,
• reduces swelling,
• it improves limb mobility.

SWT is an alternative to surgical treatment of a heel spur.

An ultrasound wave of a certain frequency breaks up the bone-and-salt outgrowth at the stage of the formed heel spur and reduces the pain. At the same time, the healthy tissue remains intact and is not affected.

ADVANTAGES OF THE METHOD

The duration of the procedure – is 5-10 minutes

The course of treatment – is 5 to 7 sessions

The frequency of visits to the clinic – once a week

The effect of the course of treatment remains for about a year

The results can be noticeable already after the first sessions

Safe method, only affects the plantar fasciitis area

Treatment of heel spurs without surgery or injections

Massage and orthopedic insoles (orthopedics) are also methods that contribute positively to the treatment outcome and can be recommended by a doctor as a part of the complex therapy.

 The proper treatment of heel spurs – is also about preventing the recurrence of the disease.

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn’t  the exercise work?

When treating heel spurs, the complex of exercises is focused on stretching the fascia so that it will not be injured in the future. The accuracy of the stretching influences the result. When you go to the clinic, you avoid mistakes during the exercises; you get significant results and at the same time save your time and energy.

What does shockwave therapy do to treat heel spurs?

SWT contributes to faster regeneration of the damaged tendon, which means that the injured fibers will be healed and the pain will be reduced.

Specialists

Шатохіна
Тетяна Ігорівна

Rehabilitologist

Зубец
Олександр Павлович

Orthopedic traumatologist

Семененко
Олена Олександрівна

Dermatologist-cosmetologist

Мищенко Валерия

дерматолог

вардинская наталия

дерматолог

Косовец Елена

дерматолог

вардинская наталия

дерматолог