Top 5 Best Heel Spur Treatments

Heel spurs can cause quite a bit of pain, especially when you’re walking or jogging. The pain that you experience comes from the heel spur — a calcium deposit that builds up over time — injuring the soft tissue that surrounds it. Some patients describe the sensation as someone stabbing their feet with a knife.

At Kazmer Foot & Ankle Centers, we see a lot of patients suffering from heel spurs. Over the years, we’ve discovered that certain treatments work better than others. When you see Dr. Gary M. Kazmer for a heel spur, he’ll probably recommend one of the following treatments:

1. Cortisone injections that lower your discomfort

Cortisone relieves pain and inflammation in joints and other parts of the body. In some cases, a single shot of cortisone can reduce pain for several months.

Don’t worry about whether getting an injection in your heel is going to hurt. Dr. Kazmer numbs the area before giving you a cortisone injection. Most of our patients say that the process doesn’t cause any pain.

2. Special exercises that reduce strain on the heel spur

Performing a few special exercises can reduce the strain on your heel spur and, in turn, lessen your pain.

Some exercises that our patients find helpful include foot flexes and calf stretches. To perform a foot flex, sit in a chair and cross the affected leg over the other leg. Grab your foot by the toes and pull it toward you. Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds, and repeat the exercise five times.

For calf stretches, stand an arm’s length away from a wall. Step toward the wall with one foot while keeping the other foot in position. Place your hands against the wall for support, and bend your knees while pushing your hips forward. You should feel a stretch in your calves. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds and do the exercise nine more times before repeating with the other leg.

3. Custom-made orthotics that limit pressure on the heel spur

Wearing shoes that don’t fit well can contribute to heel spur pain. At Kazmer Foot & Ankle Centers, we can custom-make orthotics that limit pressure on your heel spur. Over time, you should notice that the orthotics make your heel hurt less.

4. Anti-inflammatory medications that reduce swelling

Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can ease heel spur pain by reducing swelling. Some that we recommend include:

• Naproxen
• Ibuprofen
• Aspirin

Dr. Kazmer helps you determine which medication you should take. He also gives you advice about how many pills you should take in a day.

5. Night splints that prevent injury while you sleep

When you move your foot, your heel spurs can damage the soft tissue that surrounds them. Limiting your foot movement, therefore, can reduce pain. Of course, you need to use your feet during the day. At night, though, you can wear a splint that keeps your foot still.

By wearing a splint each night, you prevent damage that can happen while you sleep. The more we can limit your foot movement, the less chronic pain your heel spur will cause.

Schedule an appointment at Kazmer Foot & Ankle Centers

You can start treatment for your heel spurs by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Kazmer at one of our locations in Chicago, Elgin, and Barrington, Illinois. Call the location nearest you or use our online booking tool.