Heel spur surgery is a medical procedure performed to remove bony growths that develop on the heel bone. These growths, also known as heel spurs, can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, making it difficult for the individual to perform their regular daily activities. The heel spur removal is typically recommended only after conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and orthotics have failed to provide relief.
What are Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs are abnormal bony growths that develop on the bottom of the heel bone. They usually form around the area where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes and plays a significant role in arch support and shock absorption.
Heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition in which the plantar fascia becomes inflamed and causes heel pain. However, not everyone with plantar fasciitis develops heel spurs, and not everyone with heel spurs suffers from plantar fasciitis symptoms.
When is Heel Spur Surgery Necessary?
Heel spur surgery is not always necessary and is typically reserved for cases where conservative treatments have failed to provide relief. The surgery is performed to remove the bony growth on the heel bone and relieve the pressure on surrounding tissues, such as the plantar fascia and nerves.
Doctors may recommend heel spur surgery if:
Conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and orthotics have failed to provide relief
The pain is severe and affects the individual's ability to perform daily activities
The heel spur is causing chronic inflammation, which can lead to soft tissue damage and nerve irritation
What to Expect During Heel Spur Surgery?
Heel spur surgery is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's preference. During the surgery, the doctor will make a small incision on the bottom of the foot and remove the bony growth on the heel bone using a small chisel or saw.
After the surgery, the patient may need to wear a cast or a walking boot for a period of time to facilitate healing. The doctor may also recommend physical therapy to promote mobility and reduce the risk of recurrence. Click here to read more on the recovery time for heel spur removal.
Heel spur surgery is a medical procedure that can provide relief for individuals suffering from severe heel pain due to bony growths. However, the surgery is typically reserved for cases where conservative treatments have failed to provide relief, and the pain is severe and affects the individual's ability to perform daily activities. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is essential to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and explore treatment options. Check out this related post to get more enlightened on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcaneal_spur.
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