Did you know that 98% of the calcium in your body is found in your bones and teeth? If your body isn't receiving enough dietary calcium or the bones in your heel are continually damaged, heels spurs can form. Don't let these nagging deposits bite at your heels. If you're experiencing pain, contact the Absolute Foot Care Specialists of Las Vegas today!

What Are Heel Spurs?

A spur is essentially a calcium deposit that forms on the bottom of the heel bone. These deposits are pointy and can grow outward as far as half an inch. This condition is associated with another form of heel pain known as plantar fasciitis.

What Are The Causes?

Xray of heel spur

This painful bone growth occurs over a period of several months. They are caused by muscle and ligament strains in the heel and plantar fascia, the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects to the heel bone.

When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, damaged, or placed under stress during activity, the body sends extra calcium through the blood stream to the affected area. If the body has a calcium deficiency, signals may get mixed and a surplus amount of calcium may build up around the damaged area. Over time, this build up hardens and heel spurs are formed.

Spurs like these are associated most with athletes and active individuals, due to the amount of stress placed on the heel. Other risk factors include:

What Are The Symptoms?

Inflammation and swelling at the back of the foot are common. They are most painful during activities such as walking, running, or jumping when the spur is pushing off of the ground. In order to relieve stress and alleviate pain, patients begin to walk on their toes. This can create other problems in the ankles, knees, and hips. Dr. Levine can cure your heel pain. If you're experiencing pain, make an appointment with our office to prevent further injury.

How Are They Treated?

Non-surgical treatment for spurs includes stretching exercises, hand crafted prescription orthotics prescribed by Absolute Foot Care Specialists, taping or compressing the muscles and tendons, and physical therapy. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen will decrease the amount of discomfort. If your heel pain doesn't respond well to these conservative treatment options, surgery may be necessary.

Surgery aims to relieve the pain and restore mobility of your foot. Techniques include releasing the plantar fascia or removing the spur. You can help prevent the development of heel spurs by wearing proper footwear, warming up and stretching before activity, and pacing yourself during your exercise routine.

Painful heels are a problem. You don't need to suffer. Make an appointment with one of our Las Vegas offices. Our board certified podiatrists are experts when it comes to heel pain. Start by calling (702) 839-2010 to make an appointment or schedule one online today!