Heel spur removal
Heel spur removal is a surgical procedure aimed at alleviating pain caused by calcaneal spurs, which are hard bony growths on the heel bone. Individuals often experience pain and tenderness under the heel, leading to difficulties in walking, standing, and engaging in physical activities. Common contributing factors to the development of heel spurs include prolonged stress on the heel and wearing non-padded footwear. When conservative treatments like modified activity and supportive footwear do not provide relief, surgery may be considered.
Typically performed on an outpatient basis, the procedure involves making an incision over the spur and using specialized instruments to excise the growth. Local or spinal anesthesia is administered to ensure patient comfort during the surgery. Post-operative care includes monitoring for complications such as excessive bleeding or infection, and sutures can usually be removed within ten to fourteen days. Recovery typically allows for the resumption of vigorous activities after about three months. It is crucial to distinguish heel spurs from plantar fasciitis, as they are related but distinct conditions; heel spurs can develop due to the inflammation of the plantar fascia. Proper foot care and use of supportive shoes can aid in both the prevention and recovery from heel spur issues.
Subject Terms
Heel spur removal
Anatomy or system affected: Bones, feet, musculoskeletal system
Definition: The surgical removal of a heel spur, a hard, bony growth on the heel
Indications and Procedures
Heel spurs, also known as calcaneal spurs, are hard, bony growths on the heel bone. Pain and tenderness in the sole of the foot under the heel bone are common first-indicators of this condition. Painful heel spurs can cause difficulty in walking and standing. Running, jogging, and prolonged standing often contribute to their development, especially when unpadded shoes are worn. When efforts to alleviate pain, such as activity modification and the use of shoes with cushioned heels, have been exhausted, it may be necessary for the spur to be surgically removed.
Most heel spur removal operations are performed at outpatient surgical facilities. Before the operation, blood and urine studies are conducted, and x-rays are taken of both feet. Local or spinal anesthetics are administered. The surgeon, orthopedist, or podiatrist conducting the operation will choose a convenient site to make an incision, usually over the spur, and use special instruments to remove the growth. The opening in the skin is closed with sutures. Barring complications, the sutures can be removed ten to fourteen days later. After the surgery, additional blood studies are taken, and laboratory examination of the removed tissue is performed.
Uses and Complications
Heel spurs form as a result of hard pounding or prolonged stress on the heel of the foot. Shock-absorbing soles in shoes and orthopedic inserts that cushion hard blows to the heel during vigorous exercise can help prevent and aid in recovery from heel spur operations. Vigorous exercise can be resumed in approximately three months following a removal operation.
A common misconception is that heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are the same condition. This commonly occurs because the pain that is experienced may feel similar in both cases. Nonetheless, they are not the same issue. The plantar fascia is a ligament that is located between the balls of the foot and the heel. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this ligament gets inflamed. Heel spurs can be caused as a result of plantar fasciitis.
For bone spurs, clean cloths or tissues can be pressed against the wound for ten minutes if bleeding occurs within the first twenty-four hours after the surgery. The scar from the incision will recede gradually. Although it is important to keep the foot clean, the wound must be kept dry between baths. The wound should be covered with a dry bandage for the first two or three days after surgery. Complications associated with heel spur removal surgery can include excessive bleeding and surgical wound infection, which should be examined by a doctor.
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