Duration of a calcaneal spur

definition

As Heel spur (Calcaneus spur) is called one bony outgrowth (Spur) on the calcaneus (Calcaneus). This thorn-shaped outgrowth can towards the sole of the foot grow, which by definition "plantar calcaneus spur“And is the most common form of heel spur. The spur can rarely also appear along the Achilles tendon and is then called "dorsal calcaneus spur". About ten percent of adults in Germany will develop a calcaneal spur during their lifetime, which makes them one very frequent Clinical picture makes.

For more information, see: Heel spur

root cause

As a general cause of the emergence of a Heel spur becomes a overload of the structures involved: By excessive or improper use of the foot smallest cracks and injuries at the point between the calcaneus and the attaching tendon, from which Inflammation can result. The body reacts with remodeling processes of the tissue to adapt to the increased stress and tries to avoid the overload calcification and ossification to counteract, which creates the spur.

A risk factor for overstressing the foot is the Shortening of the calf muscles which results in increased tension on the heel bone and thus in excessive stress. Overweight or malpositions of the foot, for example, also contribute Arched feet, contributes to the development of heel spurs through incorrect loading.

Sports that put a lot of strain on the foot, such as Running, are also a risk factor for heel spur.

Even without the wrong load, it can be due to reasons hereditary predisposition come to heel spur. An unavoidable risk factor for a heel spur is age: Here the shock-absorbing fat pad under the heel becomes smaller, which is why it puts more strain on the Bone comes. In this case, the heel spur is one wear-related, i.e. degenerative disease.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of a calcaneal spur are Pain when standing and walking especially at the Sole of the foot, but also at the heel yourself. The pain is severe and has a piercing component. The pain in the heel spur is also characteristic of them Disappear when sparing and the increased occurrence under stress after breaks such as in the morning after getting up.

For more information, see: Heel spur symptoms

Appointment with an expert in calcaneal spur?

I would be happy to advise you!

Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)

Athletes (joggers) are particularly often affected by the disease of the heel spur. In many cases, the cause of the inflammation of the heel spur cannot be identified at first. Therefore, the treatment requires a lot of experience. I focus on the heel spur.
The aim of every treatment is treatment without surgery with a complete recovery of performance.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

You can find me in:

• Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
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  60311 Frankfurt am Main

Directly to the online appointment arrangement
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Further information about myself can be found at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert

diagnosis

Heel spur is diagnosed using anamnese by the doctor asking about the symptoms. Then one follows examination, in which the main focus is on whether pressure pain can be triggered over the affected structures. The heel spur can also use X-ray image be made visible.

therapy

Heel spur can be treated on several therapy levels. The most important approach is the conservative therapy dar, by Cooling and protecting the foot and eventual Pain medication to relieve symptoms and treat any inflammation that is present. Continue to be frequent insoles prescribed individually to the foot and correct the pain-causing bad posture and pressure points on the feet through their mostly soft soles and thus relieve the foot.

Also can Silicone cushion, which can be bought without a prescription and prior medical consultation, achieve pain relief.

A treatment concept similar to the insoles is provided by so-called Health shoes These are even more specifically adapted to the foot than the insoles and can therefore achieve better results. However, they are usually only used for forms of heel spur that are difficult to treat, as they have a disadvantage due to the fixed shoe system in contrast to insoles, which can be exchanged and worn in different shoes.

Often also helps physical therapy. Here, for example, a poor posture and thus the cause of the heel spur is counteracted by stretching muscle groups and the correct posture is then strengthened through strengthening exercises of the foot muscles so that painful pressure points are permanently relieved.

Another concept represents the Shock wave therapy . Here the Blood circulation promoted in the affected area, which in turn Metabolic processes stimulate and thereby improve healing. Often the different treatment approaches are combined in order to enable pain relief as quickly as possible.

You can also try to use the spur X-rays dissolve. If there is extreme pain that does not improve with the therapy options mentioned, the inflammation can occur short term with the help of a Cortisone injection treated and the pain with one Local anesthetic be alleviated.

In rare cases, a surgery of the calcaneal spur become necessary. The spur is removed here, but it is more important Relief of the pain-transmitting nerve.

For more information, see: Heel spur therapy and calcaneal spur surgery

Duration and forecast

Generally, the heel spur has one very good prognosis and at about 90 percent the patient's pain disappears again. However, the therapies must be carried out consistently, which is often a lengthy affair until pain is free. The symptoms rarely go away without any therapy, but what does several months can last. Despite this possible spontaneous healing, one should consult a doctor early on, because one Chronification possible pain, which makes the calcaneal spur more difficult to treat.

With adequate therapy, pain relief should be rapid. Painkillers like Diclofenac or Ibuprofen help very quickly, mostly within a few daysto relieve symptoms. However, pain relievers are a therapy option that is purely based on more symptomatic Level begins. That said, the pain will be reduced while that But the cause is still there and symptoms come back without the pain medication. If you consistently wear insoles or health shoes, the pain should be less intense after one to two weeks.

The complete freedom from pain however, usually only after a period between six weeks and six months reached. Used in treatment physical therapy used, it also takes time to achieve the desired effect several weeks, as the muscle building that leads to pain relief needs this time for muscular remodeling processes.

In the Shock wave therapy are several sessions necessary until the pain is reduced. Usually a treatment duration of three weeks required.

A surgery of the calcaneal spur only comes Rare for use, since the treatment is usually already successful with conservative therapy. If an operation is necessary, it is only possible after the surgical wound has healed, i.e. after a period of two to four weeks, expect an improvement in symptoms.

prophylaxis

Since the Misalignment and the following Improper loading of the foot is the cause of heel spurs, the most effective prophylaxis is that early correction such misalignments by an orthopedic surgeon. Excessive strain on the foot Obesity should be avoided through weight loss.

Furthermore you can Shoes prevent heel spurs by using a shock-absorbing Components and thus cushion loads that hit the foot. This shock absorption is of particular importance in sports or activities that put a lot of stress on the heel, such as Running sports. Another factor of shock absorption is a soft ground while running.

This is very important for the prevention of a manifest heel spur Protection of the foot at the onset of pain symptoms either through Refraining from sporting activity or a switch to less heel-stressing activities such as Cycle or that swim.

A strain of the Calf muscles before and after exercise also has a prophylactic effect on the development of heel spurs.