Heel Spur in Fairfax and Serving Vienna & Falls Church, VA
What You Should Know About Heel Spurs
At Virginia Foot and Ankle Center, located in Fairfax and serving Vienna and Falls Church, VA, Dr. My Hoa Kaas and Dr. Jay Ryan help patients find relief from a variety of foot conditions, including heel spurs. If you’ve been dealing with persistent heel pain, a heel spur might be the culprit. These small, bony growths can cause big discomfort, but with the right care, you can get back to walking, running, and living without pain.
What Are Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that build up on the underside of the heel bone, often forming over time due to repeated stress or strain on the foot. They’re typically associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes inflammation in the band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot. While heel spurs themselves don’t always cause pain, they can irritate surrounding tissues, leading to discomfort, especially when standing or walking. Common causes of heel spurs include wearing unsupportive footwear, prolonged periods of standing, or engaging in high-impact activities like running. People with flat feet or high arches are also more prone to developing heel spurs.
How We Diagnose and Treat Heel Spurs
At Virginia Foot and Ankle Center, we start by carefully evaluating your symptoms and performing a physical exam. X-rays are often used to confirm the presence of a heel spur and rule out other potential causes of heel pain. Treatment for heel spurs focuses on relieving pain and addressing the underlying causes.
This might include custom orthotics to provide better arch support, physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the foot, or anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling. For more persistent cases, advanced treatments like corticosteroid injections or shockwave therapy may be recommended. Surgery is rarely needed but can be an option for severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments.
Why Addressing Heel Pain Matters
Heel pain can interfere with your daily life, making it difficult to stay active or even get through a normal day. Ignoring the problem can lead to further complications, including changes in how you walk, which can strain other parts of your body. Seeking treatment early can help you avoid these issues and get back to moving comfortably.