• Sharp pain or intense ache in the heel that is often worse first thing in the morning or after a longer period of rest
• Inflammation or swelling over the heel
• Tenderness when touching or applying pressure to the area
• Warmth over the area
• A palpable bony protrusion in the heel

WHAT CAUSES HEEL SPURS?

Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, most often develop in adults over the age of 60 in areas that have experienced wear-and-tear of the cartilage or in an area of long standing pressure. Bone spurs can grow from any bone but are most common in the foot (especially the heel, big toe and ankle), the hands and fingers, hips, neck and spine, knees and shoulders.

The cause of bone spurs is still a topic of debate. In some cases there may be a metabolic, inflammatory, rheumatological and even hereditary component. In the case of calcaneal (heel) spurs, abnormal foot and ankle biomechanics are thought to be the primary cause. Increased tension or trauma to the area triggers the body to produce excess bone resulting in the bone spur. As mentioned before, not all bone spurs are symptomatic. It largely depends on their size and location and how the muscles and joints are functioning around it.

If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help correct your heel spurs, your entire treatment plan could consist of around 8-20+ different physical therapy sessions that will each last 60-90 minutes. Once you complete your customized physical therapy treatment plan, you will be able to continue to do the prescribed stretches and exercises utilized during your PT sessions yet in the comfort of your own home.

WHAT PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENTS ARE BEST FOR HEEL SPURS?

As is the case with physical therapy for any condition, the best physical therapy treatment for your heel spur is the one that is individualized to your needs and your body. This is why your therapist will take the time to thoroughly interview you and perform a physical examination during the first session. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.

Though your treatment will not be exactly the same as the treatment of another person with heel spurs, below is a list of interventions and goals used to address heel spur pain.

Education: Your PT will spend time educating you on strategies you can implement to manage your symptoms such as the following:

• Take breaks from being on your feet, especially in the beginning of your treatment when you are more symptomatic
• Wear well-fitting shoes with proper arch support when you will be standing or walking for extended periods
• Wear slippers or cushioned shoes for walking on tile or hardwood floors at home
• Run or walk on softer surfaces outdoors like grass rather than concrete or gravel
• Heel pads or shoe inserts may be recommended to help distribute pressure more evenly across the heel

Manage inflammation: Reducing inflammation over the heel spur is an important step in relieving the aches and pains associated with this condition. Some ways your physical therapist may address inflammation are as follows:

• Ultrasound
• Low level laser treatment
• Contrast baths: alternating hot and cold therapy

Improve Joint Motion: Improving motion of the joints in the foot and ankle and the tissues that surround it can improve both pain and function. A program of stretching and mobility exercises can help to improve the flexibility of a joint to relieve excess pressure across the bone spur. Your PT may also gently mobilize the involved joints to help restore motion.

Address muscle and soft tissue limitations: Tight or shortened muscles and fascia may contribute to a symptomatic heel spur. Soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release techniques and stretching can help improve tissue length and mobility.

Improve Quality of Movement: Improving the quality of movement around an area with a bone spur can help reduce excessive stress across the joint and may reduce the irritation and rubbing of a bone spur on surrounding tissues. Improving calf and ankle muscle strength, controlling pronation and improving the motor control of the foot and ankle can help improve symptoms of a heel spur.

If you have a symptomatic heel spur or believe you may have one, call us today to learn more about our services and schedule an evaluation: 1-718-258-3300