Bone Spur Relief

• Dr. Bruce Zappan
• October 05, 2017

A bone spur shows up as a bump on your heel and can cause considerable pain and discomfort, making routine activities like standing and walking very difficult. A bone spur can be stimulated into growth as your body's’ defense against increased pressure and stress to an isolated area, frequently on the heel.

Cause of Bone Spurs

Some of the stressors that can cause bone spurs include:

• Poorly fitting shoes—Shoes or other footwear that cause excessive pressure and rubbing should be replaced or avoided.
• High stress activities—Sports that involve high impacts from jumping and running can contribute to the formation of bone spurs.
• Being overweight—Excess weight increases the pressure on the heel bone, which exacerbates the issue.
• Diabetic complications—People with diabetes should be extra careful with their feet. Bone spurs are more likely to occur and cause problems in diabetic patients.

While a minor bone spur may not cause any serious problems and even go undetected for years, a more severe case requires intervention. Bone spurs can be treated with custom orthotic inserts that can correct abnormal foot mechanics that may have created the stress that caused the spur. Make sure your shoes are not causing the problem, and get your feet properly measured and inspected to ensure a therapeutic fit. A variety of physical therapies including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage, stretching, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy can also be a great help.

If more conservative treatments are not providing relief, surgery may be necessary to remove the bony protrusion. For any problems you may be experiencing with your feet and ankles it is important to see a foot specialist to receive the correct care. Bruce B. Zappan, D.P.M., P.C., of Medical Arts Podiatry Associates in Philadelphia, is an expert in proper evaluation and recommendations for podiatric treatment. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or make an appointment with our office at 215-563-2560.