How do I Fix my Heel Spur?

There are many treatment options available to fix your Heel Spur.  It is important to understand that Heel Spurs are not actually what is causing your heel pain. It is the FORMATION of the heel spur that is painful.  Once the FORMATION of the heel spur is stopped the pain will begin to reduce allowing you to fix your condition.  You will be left with a physical spur but it will not cause you pain.  Some of the other structures that can be damaged and cause pain in the heel are Plantar Fasciitis, Plantar Fasciosis,  Calcaneaus (heel bone) bone marrow edema or stress fracture and Jogger’s Foot (Entrapped nerve on the medial (inside) of your heel).  It is critical to have an accurate diagnosis so that you can choose the correct treatments to fix your Heel Spur.  Some Heel Spur treatments are more conservative than others, some are more effective and still some are more expensive than others.  If caught and treated early Heel Spurs will usually resolve with inexpensive and simple treatments.

Fix my Heel Spur by Removing the Aggravating Variable(s)

To fix your Heel Spur remove the variable that is either causing your Heel Spur or contributing to it.  For example; if running is irritating it and you keep running it will worsen and can lead to permanent damage to your Plantar Fascia or the Calcaneus (Heel Bone).  Whatever activity  is aggravating your Heel Spur must be stopped temporarily.

Can I Fix my Heel Spur with Rest

Rest from activity, especially those activities that require running, jumping, walking or any other weight bearing activity.  If you are on your feet at work and this aggravates your Heel Spur it may be necessary to take time off or request a modified job position until you heal.  No amount of ice or Ibuprofen will help if you continue aggravating your Heel Spur.  This is the second step in how you fix Heel Spur.

Will Crutches to Fix my Heel Spur?

It may be necessary to be non-weight bearing to fix your Heel Spur (but not typical).  This will usually be dictated by the severity.  Crutches are cheap and effective.  Other methods include wheelchairs, knee scooters and Peg-Legs.

Can I use a Walking Boot instead to fix my Heel Spur?

Instead of crutches a walking boot that has a stiff soled rocker bottom might be your best option.  There are many types and varieties of walking boots but the variable that makes them effective in treating Heel Spurs is a stiff soled, rocker bottom which prevents loading of the Heel region.  I have found the addition of a gel heel cup dramatically improves the comfort of the boot.

As your Heel Spur improves it might be possible to transition to a rocker bottom walking or running shoe.  This is the third step in how to fix your Heel Pain.

Can I buy Over the Counter Orthotics to fix my Heel Spur?

Over the counter orthotics are a cheap but usually ineffective method to fix Heel Spurs.  If the over the counter orthotic is going to have a chance at being effective it must have a heel cut-out and must be comfortable.  If the orthotic  irritates the heel region you will not be able to improve.  Finding the right orthotic with a heel cut-out that is both comfortable, effective and is the fourth step in how to fix Heel Spurs.  If this step fails you should consider the next step, custom orthotics.

If you have tried orthotics in the past and they were painful they were most likely too hard, too high or not manufactured properly,.  San Diego Running Institute can modify your current uncomfortable and ineffective over-the-counter orthotics.

Can Custom Orthotics Fix my Heel Spur?

Custom orthotics can be an effective in fixing Heel Spurs.  In order to be effective, they must fit into your shoes, be comfortable and have a heel cut-out as part of the custom orthotic design.  Proper height, size, density and location of the heel cut-out is critical to it being effective.  If you have custom orthotics that are uncomfortable, do not fit into your shoes or aggravate your heel region you will be unable to improve. If you have an uncomfortable or ineffective pair of custom orthotics either without a heel cut-out or that is uncomfortable they may be able to be modified for a fraction of the cost off new custom orthotics. San Diego Running Institute charges $167 to modify your existing orthotics and make them both comfortable and effective.  Custom orthotics are the fifth step in how to fix Heel Spurs.