Heel Spurs

Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico

Podiatrists & Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Albuquerque, NM, Rio Rancho, NM, South Valley, NM, Edgewood, NM & Grants, NM

Increased pressure on your feet can increase your risk for painful heel spurs. At Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico, with offices in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, South Valley, Edgewood, and Grants, New Mexico, the podiatry specialists offer on-site diagnostic testing to confirm heel spurs. The physicians create customized treatment plans that focus on relieving pain and increasing your mobility. If you have unexplained heel pain or need treatment for existing heel spurs, contact the office nearest you online or by phone today.

Heel Spurs Q & A

What are heel spurs?

A heel spur results when a growth develops between your heel bone and the arch of your foot. This growth may feel like a part of your bone, but it’s actually a buildup of calcium.

The root cause of heel spurs is persistent strain on your muscles and ligaments. The spurs develop over time from repetitive stress that occurs from jumping on hard surfaces, running, or walking.

You may also be at increased risk for heel spurs due to:

Arthritis
Obesity
Gait issues
Heel injuries
Plantar fasciitis

You may also be prone to heel spurs if you don’t wear supportive shoes.

What are the symptoms of heel spurs?

Heel spurs typically start at the front of the underside of your heel and can grow up to one-half inch. However, you may not be able to see them or feel them, as not all heel spurs cause symptoms.

The team at Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico often diagnoses a heel spur during an evaluation for other foot conditions.

If you do develop symptoms, you may have pain and swelling at the front part of your heel. This area may also feel warm.

Over time, pain and inflammation can spread into the arch of your foot, and you may notice a visible protrusion under the surface of your skin.

How are heel spurs diagnosed?

If you have pain or swelling in your heel or the arch of your foot, the team at Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico offers on-site diagnostic testing to confirm or rule out heel spurs.

Testing typically involves X-rays of your foot to identify the calcium buildup and other abnormalities that may be causing your pain.

How are heel spurs treated?

The providers at Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico offer comprehensive care for heel spurs. They focus on relieving your pain and preventing a worsening of your condition. Treatment options include:

Medications

You may use cold compresses to numb your heel and ease pain. Over-the-counter medications can also reduce pain and inflammation.

If your pain is severe, your provider may recommend injections of corticosteroids to deliver anti-inflammatory medications directly into your foot.

Exercises

The Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico team also works with you on at-home stretching exercises to strengthen the muscles in your heel and may also recommend a physical therapy program.

Orthotics

Orthotic shoe inserts can relieve pressure on your heel and ease pain when you need to be on your feet. The Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico team offers an on-site store where you can purchase heel pads and other orthotic accessories to support your feet.

Surgery

If you have severe pain and mobility issues due to the heel spur, your provider may recommend surgery to remove the spur.

To find out which treatment is right for your heel spurs, call the Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico office nearest you or request a consultation online today.