Five Factors Physicians for Heel Spurs in Philadelphia Look For

Heel pain is common and treatable. The foot is remarkable in its ability to bear the weight and stress of human movement. Between the bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments in the feet, ankles and legs, this complex system handles a lot of daily wear and tear. Thus, in many cases a doctor’s expertise is needed to pinpoint the root cause of your heel pain.

When confirmed that the foot pain you are experiencing is located in the region beneath your heel, there are three different causes you could expect: a bone stress reaction, plantar fasciitis, and a heel spur. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute physicians for heel spurs in Philadelphia are equipped to diagnose and treat every possible source of pain to provide patient relief.

What is a heel spur?

Plantar Fasciitis: The plantar fascia stretches from the base of the heel to the toes, creating a support system for the foot’s natural arch. It is a ligament that can be overused through high stress activities. As a result of tissue tearing, irritation, and inflammation, the heel is in pain. A heel spur may be present.

Heel Spur: When the bone at the base of the heel that connects to the plantar fascia develops a bony protrusion or calcium deposit. Although there is proof that heel spurs do not cause plantar fasciitis, heel spurs still affect the treatment method. On the other hand, a heel spur may grow as a consequence of a patient’s plantar fasciitis that exists over a long period of time. It is interesting to note that not every heel spur causes pain.

Five Factors to Consider

The five risk factors that can increase your chances of developing a heel spur that must be discussed with your doctor include:

• Cavus foot is where a patient has a very high arch in their foot. Fatigue and aches are common symptoms. It is important to pay attention to whether the arch severity has abnormally developed out of the blue or over time. This condition can be inherited or developed. In the case of heel spurs, a high arch increases your risk.

• Repetitive impact through sports or activities that stress the heel and bottom of the foot. Note any signals of overuse and increase in activity to your physician. When skin is red, thick and sore at the heel, and the symptoms occur continuously over time there is a chance that the heel is suffering from inflammation.

• Obesity impacts a heel spur because of the added stress and weight placed on the heel during activity. In regards to heel spurs, obesity aggravates the other risk factors that you may be experiencing that make you more prone to developing heel spurs.

• New or increased exertion applies high impact to the ligaments, tendons, and bones in the foot and heel. By increasing the intensity of activity abruptly, the body and muscles have not been given enough time to adapt to the new activity.

• Tight Achilles tendons that exist from the heel bone through the leg can inhibit the ability of the foot to flex and be in motion when inflamed or irritated. When the Achilles tendon is too tight and has not been stretched out properly, the heel bone will rub the tendon resulting in an increased risk of heel spur development.

Physicians for heel spurs in Philadelphia first examine patients with these risk factors, and then offer customized treatment plans according to the mobility, medical history, age, and interests of the patient. The physicians at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute are equipped to provide you with the resources  and options you need to recover from a heel spur.

To schedule a same-day appointment, contact us at 1-800-321-9999.