Heel Spurs

Is that sharp, stabbing pain the minute your feet hit the floor, bringing you to your knees? If you’re suffering from heel pain that stops you in your tracks, a heel spur could be to blame. At Gaston Mike Liu LLC in Commack, New York, board-certified podiatrist Gaston Liu, DPM, offers compassionate care and personalized solutions to help you move comfortably again. Call the office to schedule an evaluation for heel spurs or book one online at your convenience.

What is a heel spur?

A heel spur is an abnormal bony growth that develops beneath your heel bone, usually where the band of tissue that supports your arch (plantar fascia) attaches to your heel. It forms gradually as excess calcium deposits build up in response to repeated stress and wear-and-tear on your foot.

Heel spurs are closely linked to plantar fasciitis because the two conditions often co-occur. You can have a heel spur that doesn’t cause any pain, or it can be a significant source of chronic aching and discomfort, depending on the location and surrounding tissue irritation.

What are the symptoms of heel spurs?

A heel spur may not cause any symptoms, but if it does, these are the most likely:

• Sharp, stabbing pain at the bottom of your heel, especially with your first steps after you get out of bed in the morning
• A dull ache that lingers throughout the day
• Tenderness when pressing on the heel
• Swelling or warmth near the heel
• Discomfort after long periods of standing, walking, or exercise

Pain often improves once you start moving around, but it comes and goes throughout the day and can really slow you down. 

If your heel pain is severe and affects your gait, see Dr. Liu for a thorough evaluation. He reviews your symptoms and medical history, then examines your foot for tenderness, swelling, and structural changes. 

He uses X-rays to confirm the presence of a heel spur and determine its location. If he thinks it’s necessary, he may order additional imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to determine if you may also have plantar fasciitis.

How are heel spurs treated?

First, Dr. Liu focuses on relieving your pain and addressing the underlying causes. Your treatment plan may include:

• Rest and activity modifications
• Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia
• Custom orthotics to redistribute pressure 
• Recommendations for supportive shoes
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroid injections
• Laser therapy to reduce pain and inflammation
• Shockwave therapy

Surgery is rarely a go-to solution, but Dr. Liu may consider it if conservative treatments aren’t relieving your pain. 

Schedule a heel spur evaluation at Gaston Mike Liu LLC by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.