Can heel spurs cause heel pain?

Heel spurs are one of the common causes of heel pain. Treatment includes medication, physical therapy and surgery. Heel spurs are caused by long-term traction of the plantar fascia, which leads to local calcification of the heel bone to form a spur, irritating the surrounding tissues and causing pain. The pain usually worsens when getting up in the morning or standing up after sitting for a long time, and may be relieved after activity.

1. Drug treatment is a common method to relieve heel spur pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium can reduce inflammation and pain; topical medications such as Voltaren ointment and capsaicin patches can also relieve symptoms; for patients with severe pain, doctors may recommend local injections of glucocorticoids, such as triamcinolone acetonide, to quickly reduce inflammation.

2. Physical therapy is an important means to improve the symptoms of heel spurs. Plantar fascia stretching exercises can effectively relieve fascia tension and reduce pain; ultrasonic therapy promotes local blood circulation through high-frequency vibration and accelerates the disappearance of inflammation; using a foot brace at night can keep the plantar fascia in a stretched state and reduce pain when getting up in the morning.

3. Surgical treatment is suitable for severe cases that are ineffective with conservative treatment. Minimally invasive surgeries such as endoscopic plantar fascia release can reduce fascial tension; calcaneal spur resection directly removes the spur and eliminates the irritation source; for patients with combined foot deformities, calcaneal osteotomy may be required to correct the force line and reduce the risk of recurrence.

The pain caused by heel spurs can be effectively relieved through a variety of methods. Early intervention and comprehensive treatment are the key. Patients should choose appropriate treatment plans based on their own conditions and conduct long-term management under the guidance of a doctor to improve their quality of life.