How Might a Heel Spur Affect Me?

You may have felt initial symptoms of a developing heel spur and thought the pain would subside eventually, however, you may be feeling the consequences of ignoring heel pain. Dr. Richard Rolfes and Dr. Jasper Lee with Stonestown Podiatry Group in San Francisco, CA, understand how heel spurs can keep you from engaging in your usual daily activities and are prepared to discuss the best-personalized plan to relieve your pain.

Causes Of Heel Spurs

Plenty of stress and strain are placed on our feet daily, and in the case of heel spurs, pain tends to be felt at the bottom of the heel bone. A calcium deposit (heel spur) usually begins to form slowly as a result of constant overuse of the feet, as well as any of the following:

• improper footwear
• arthritis
• previous injuries (e.g. heel bruising)
• irregular weight distribution on the feet
• other related conditions that wear down the muscles and ligaments

Symptoms And Treatments Of Heel Pain

Heel spurs are not visible to the naked eye, but by visiting with Dr. Rolfes and Dr. Lee in San Francisco, CA, you can expect that through an x-ray, they can best determine the cause of your heel pain. Symptoms of heel spurs often tend to look like:

• inflammation or swelling around the area of the spur
• increased sensitivity at the bottom of the heel
• your heel is hot to the touch
• intense pain in the heel upon standing
• persistent pain throughout the day

Sometimes people that have heel spurs don't experience any symptoms and may only learn of having one through an external cause. Even so, there are general guidelines to follow when you have heel spurs:

• offering as much rest as your can for your feet to relieve the daily pressure and strain
• reducing pain or inflammation by icing the heel
• wearing the proper footwear can make the world of difference—this may be shoe inserts (custom orthotics) or shoes with extra arch and heel support
• discussing if pain relief (or anti-inflammatory) medications are right for you with your primary care physician

Visit Us

At Stonestown Podiatry Group, Dr. Rolfes and Dr. Lee don't want to see their patients experiencing persistent pain. They encourage you to visit with them in San Francisco, CA, by calling our office today at (415) 731-6700!