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Heel spur

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 19.11.2021
 
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The calcaneal spur arises as a consequence of spine-like bone growth on the foot, and in other words - calcaneal bone. People who suffer from longitudinal flat feet, are most often exposed to such ailment. There is an overload of the foot, its longitudinal arch. After overloading, inflammation occurs, due to which the periosteum of the foot is deformed, and the heel tissues are deformed.

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Why does the calcaneus deform?

The calcaneus is deformed, most often, as a consequence of rheumatism. It does not do without rheumatoid arthritis, another cause may be a disturbed metabolism (gout). In addition, the list includes infections, which are of two types (acute and chronic) - gonococcal and chlamydial.

For other reasons for the development of the calcaneal spur, read this article.

Complex treatment

Apply only complex treatment, referring to a specialist trauma specialist or surgeon. At the beginning of treatment, you need to weaken the load on that part of the body that you are hurting. A remarkable therapeutic effect produced special orthopedic insoles, which are manufactured exclusively for individual orders. Necessary to be observed the correct laying of the arch of the outer and inner with the correct groove and with the presence of a gasket under the heel.

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Foot baths

Prevention of the disease can serve as a warm bath with the addition of sea salt. Such baths can work as a home pain reliever against pain in the legs. Baths improve blood circulation, qualitatively nourish soft tissues on the legs.

The doctor can prescribe physiotherapy, shock wave, ultrasound treatment, or laser therapy, do not refuse it, the effect will be immediate.

Medicines

Medicines go into battle, if the previous methods did not have the desired effect. The doctor may prescribe diclofenac, piroxicam, methindil. These medicines are not steroid, but they relieve inflammation remarkably. You can use creams and various ointments, which also contribute to treatment. To such ointments and creams concern: finalgon, mobilat, voltaren. Consult a doctor-orthopedist who will give you the right treatment and prescribe the necessary medications.

Operation

To surgical methods resorted only in case of inefficiency of conservative agents. However, the frequency of surgical treatment is not high enough: it is applied to 5% of patients. Applied in the event that conservative treatment does not give results within 6 months. Also spend in the event that the pain syndrome in a person is too pronounced, so much that he will not be able to endure conservative treatment.

The operation is carried out by several methods. The choice of methods is determined by the patient's condition, the technical capacity of the institution and the qualifications of the specialists. Most often, an open traditional operation is used. This is the easiest way, which does not require special equipment. The operation can be performed in the conditions of any hospital. However, this method of intervention also has its drawbacks, which include a high degree of trauma of the operated area and surrounding tissues, a high probability of complications, a risk of infection, a long recovery period.

Endoscopic surgery is a method in which a complete cut is not done. At the same time, the degree of tissue damage significantly decreases. The essence of the operation is that the doctor makes 2 small incisions. One introduces a special camera, which allows you to view the structure and features of the internal environment, visualize the pathology. The second introduces special tools that allow you to remove the spur. This method has much fewer side effects, significantly reducing the risk of infection and postoperative complications. The recovery period is much shorter, as there is practically no damage.

A method of minimized fascia dissection is also used, in which a minimum of consequences and damage occurs. The entire operation is carried out under the control of X-ray equipment. First a small incision is made, the diameter of which is approximately 3 mm. Then a tiny scalpel is inserted into this area, which cuts off the fascia from the spur. After this, the scalpel is removed from the wound surface, a cutter is introduced, which completely staves the spur. Today, this operation is quite rare, because it requires special equipment, which is not available in every hospital. The recovery period after surgery is the shortest.

Prevention

Cure spurs is very difficult. This is a long and time-consuming process, so it is better to provide preventive measures in a timely manner than to overcome the consequences later. Also, prevention is important after surgery so that the spurs do not form again.

The essence of prevention is reduced to maximally prevent the action of risk factors, as well as to eliminate those associated diseases and congenital pathologies that can lead to the development of a spur. It is necessary to treat somatic and infectious diseases in a timely manner, to eliminate persistent viruses and hidden infections.

It is important to fight overweight, an active lifestyle. In this regard, you need as much time as possible to spend in the fresh air, play sports. Exercise should be done regularly. It is also necessary to perform respiratory and relaxation practices that allow normalizing metabolic processes, prevent the development of deposits, neoplasms, inflammatory processes. We must try to avoid injuries, joints, muscles, tendons. Shoes should be comfortable, with special orthopedic insoles, which allows you to remove the load from the back and properly distribute the load. It is not recommended to wear shoes with high heels, because it deforms the foot, the brush. It should be borne in mind that shoes without a heel are also not useful for the body. The best option is a heel height of 2 to 4 cm, if necessary, you can use special heels.

It is important to control the load on the feet, and try to distribute it correctly. It is important not to overload the lower back, unload the spine. Particular attention should be given to the identification and timely treatment of diseases of joints and lumbar. Flat feet, too, is a risk factor, so people with this pathology need to perform special exercises, wear corrective insoles.

With extreme caution, one should treat your health to people with gout, diabetes, atherosclerosis, since these are the main risk factors. It is necessary to treat these diseases, to prevent further progression. As soon as you feel pain, or notice other signs of spur, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Forecast

With timely detection, elimination of the cause of spur development, and adequate treatment, the prognosis may be favorable. Spurs on the legs are treated hard, long, nevertheless, recovery is possible, most importantly - be patient and strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations. If you do not follow the recommendations, do not treat the spur, the prognosis may be unfavorable: severe pain, complete immobility and disability.

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