Heel Spur Syndrome in Brooklyn

The heel bone or calcaneus is the largest bone in the foot and projects backward beyond the leg bones to provide a useful lever for the muscles of the calf. It bears all of the body`s weight with each step. The stress placed on the heel bone and its associated structures is tremendous and makes it susceptible to what is known as plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome. The pain that results from these disorders is caused by the inflammation at the interface of the plantar fascia and heel bone. The plantar fascia constitutes the long band of fibers attached at the bottom of the heel bone and extend to where the toes begin. It also helps create the arch of the foot.

What Causes Heel Spur Syndrome?

Plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome are usually the result of biomechanical faults. Biomechanical faults refer to such abnormalities as flexible flat feet, high-arched foot deformities and a tight Achilles tendon. These disorders place a greater amount of stress on the plantar fascia. Other causes of stress on the heel and plantar fascia include recent weight gain, high-impact athletic activities, prolonged standing or walking, trauma, lower back problems and arthritis. Pain could also be stemming from a microtraumatic fracture of the heel, causing a heel spur as a result of this injury.

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TREATMENT

A heel spur may or may not be present on an X-ray. Not all heel spurs hurt. It is the inflammation of the plantar fascia that causes the pain. Plantar Fasciitis treatment is directed at reducing stress on the plantar fascia and decreasing inflammation at the attachment of the plantar fascia. It usually involves rest, heel cups, stretching, physical therapy modalities, strapping, orthotics, steroidal injections and non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications. In a minority of cases when the above conserva­tive measures fail to give relief, surgical intervention becomes necessary .The plantar fascia is released in part from its origin. When a large spur is present, reduction or removal could become necessary. Advances in surgical technology now permit plantar fascial release via the endoscope. This procedure is known as Endoscopic Plantar Fascial release or EPF. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is also a new modality that is available.

PREOPERATIVE CONSIDERATIONS

Preoperative considerations are assessed by your doctor and include your age, occupation, physical activities or limitations and general health status. Surgery can be performed in the office, outpatient surgical center or as one-day hospital surgery. Contact us anytime to see what the best heel spur syndrome treatment would be for you.

POSTOPERATIVE CARE

After surgery, you will receive instructions regarding the care of your dressings, your level of activity and weight-bearing. As with all foot surgery, rest and elevation can help reduce pain and swelling. An orthotic could be recommended to control the abnormal bio­mechanical forces and thus prevent recurrence of the symptoms.