A Look at the Common Treatment Options for Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are a common condition that can be debilitating for many people. Thankfully, there are several treatment options available to help relieve the pain and discomfort caused by heel spurs. Heel spurs can be caused by many things, such as genetics or obesity. However, one of the most common causes is overuse of your feet and running on hard surfaces without proper footwear. It is therefore not surprising that many athletes suffer from heel spurs. This blog post will explore the most common treatments for heel spurs in detail so you can decide which is best suited for your individual needs.
PRICE Boot
The PRICE Boot is a portable boot brace designed to treat plantar fasciitis. In contrast to traditional braces that apply pressure on the foot from the bottom, the PRICE Boot uses a system of springs and straps that applies constant tension from the top down. This allows for full mobility while providing ample support. The device can be easily adjusted using elastic cords and has been clinically proven to significantly reduce pain after only one week of use. Because of its adjustable design, this device can accommodate all types of footwear including high heels, loafers, sandals, and tennis shoes.
Night Splint
Night splints are low-profile devices worn at night time only. While wearing a night splint during sleep, the Achilles tendon is put in a neutral position by keeping the ankle at 90 degrees with the subtalar joint, allowing for full mobilization. This device also reduces pain associated with plantar fasciitis by keeping it stretched throughout the night when you are resting. Most models can be worn overnight with ordinary street shoes when no weight-bearing restrictions are present.
Ice Compression Boots
Like night splints, ice compression boots are designed to reduce inflammation that occurs with heel spurs by providing constant cold compression to the affected area. The boots attach securely around your leg and most come with an ice pack pocket on top. Simply fill this pocket up with ice cubes or small bags of frozen vegetables and apply pressure for ten minutes every couple of hours to reduce pain and speed up the recovery process.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics work by realigning your foot into a neutral position that is less likely to cause tension on the plantar fascia ligament. This decreases pressure on the heel and reduces inflammation in surrounding tissues. Not only do custom orthotics provide long-term relief, but they also improve your gait pattern which can help prevent the reoccurrence of heel spurs down the road. This treatment is most effective when used in combination with the initial treatments mentioned above.
Before beginning any treatment plan for heel spurs, it is recommended that you speak with a doctor to understand if surgery may be required or if certain precautions need to be taken into consideration before pursuing other treatment options (i.e., pregnancy). Once therapy begins, make sure you are wearing supportive footwear to prevent re-injury. If you are currently suffering from heel spurs, or are looking for information on other common injuries, visit the nearest orthopedic doctor.
