Heel spur

What is a heel spur and who does it afflict most often?

Heel spur is a common source of heel pain. This is a problem that occurs mainly in people who stand, walk or sit too much, and often occurs in athletes whose regime requires a lot of movement.

This disease involves micro-damage to the plantar fascia which is attached to the heel bone. That is why the pain is felt along the entire foot, except in the heel. It should be noted that heel spur and plantar fasciitis in 90% of cases have associated symptoms. The process of inflammation, which accompanies this damage, affects the formation of calcium salt deposits and loses the softness and blood supply to the plantar fascia (tendon), which consequently leads to the formation of a heel spur.

Heel spur - symptoms:

• Pain in the heel or under the heel, occurring in the morning or after resting.

• Heel pain intensifies and subsides after 10-15 minutes of activity.

• A slight bony bulge may be felt when touching the heel.

What are the treatment methods?

Conventional treatment of heel spur and plantar fasciitis can be:

1. Surgical treatment and

2. Non-operative (conservative) treatment, which includes:

• RICE protocol (rest, ice cooling, elevation…)

• Corticosteroid treatment

• Treatment with anti-inflammatory medicine

At Fizionova, we solve the problem of the heel spur in 5-7 therapies max

In our Center, you have the opportunity to effectively solve the problem of heel spurs thanks to a team of experts who will suggest the best type of therapy in your case. Treatment in our Center involves the application of the most advanced technology - FSWT device (FSWT - Focus Shock Wave Therapy), which allows the most effective treatment of heel spurs. The Fizionova Physiotherapy Center is the only Centre in the territory of Southeast Europe to have an FSWT device.

Thanks to FSWT therapy, in record time we achieve the resorption of calcium deposits (calcifications), pain reduction by 30% after the first therapy, accelerates the production of collagen, and thus the formation of new blood vessels (neoangiogenesis).

What are calcifications?

Calcium is transported through the bloodstream and is found in every cell in the body. Calcifications are deposits of calcium salts that accumulate in body tissue, blood vessels or organs. As a consequence of the formation of calcifications, there is an unbalance of normal processes in the body. Calcifications occur due to:

• Excessive pressure

• Disturbed biomechanics

• Injuries

• Inflammation

• Infections

Risk factors for calcification

• Excessive activity (running, ballet, aerobics…)

• Being overweight

• Excessive standing or walking

• Flat feet and other deformities

• Pregnancy

• Inadequate footwear

• Osteoarthritis

• Diabetes

How is a heel spur diagnosed?

The first step in diagnosing heel spur is an X-ray of the foot, that is, the heel and a clinical examination of the foot itself.

After diagnosing and considering plantar fasciitis, it is necessary to determine what led to the formation of heel spur or plantar fasciitis (poor body posture, excessive pressure or if it occurred as a consequence of another primary injury).

Discovering the causes is crucial because only by eliminating them can effective treatment be carried out.