How to Treat Heel Spurs
Posted on: 1 June 2015
If you have pain in your heels that is worse when you stand or walk, you might be suffering from heel spurs. These occur when there are hooks of bone that sometimes form on the hell bone, frequently occurring when you have a condition called plantar fasciitis. Here is more information about this condition and how it can be treated.
Get Plenty of Rest
When you have pain related to heel spurs, the first thing you should do is start resting your feet. You should try to avoid standing or walking for long periods of time, as that can make the pain worse. If you have been involved in a rigorous workout routine, take a break from it for a few days and see how you feel at that point. The resting period will help to reduce the inflammation that is worsening the heel spurs.
Do Stretches and Exercises
While rest is important, you shouldn't continue remaining sedentary. Light exercise and stretching helps to work out the inflamed tissues around the heel. Try some simple stretches in the morning and evening that help you to stretch and relax the tissues that are near your heel bone. If you aren't sure what exercises to do, your podiatrist or a physical therapist can help teach them to you. You may notice that the heel spurs go away quickly after you start a regular stretching routine.
Take Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Another way to reduce the inflammation that is causing the heel spurs is by taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen. These drugs will not only reduce the inflammation that is worsening the pain, but also works as a pain reliever. If they are not working to relieve your pain, ask your doctor for a stronger prescription pain relief medication that has anti-inflammatory properties.
Get Cortisone Injections
If none of these methods work, it might be time to visit your podiatrist. They can suggest medical treatment for the heel spurs, such as cortisone injections. These injections go in your foot and will provide instant relief by reducing the inflammation. If you have chronic heel spurs, you may need to get it done more than once to have full relief.
In addition to these treatment options, you may want to use custom orthotics from a company like Foot First Podiatry Centers to help provide more cushion and comfort for your feet. They can provide temporary relief while you are trying the other treatment methods.
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