Minimally Invasive Heel Spur Treatment
If you’ve been diagnosed with heel spurs, or believe you’re suffering from them, we can help you understand the condition and alleviate the pain with heel spur treatment.
What is a heel spur?
- A heel spur is a calcium deposit on the underside of the heel bone.
- Heel spurs are common among athletes but also tend to develop as we age, as flexibility decreases.
- Heel spurs can be painful when associated with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot.
Can I leave a heel spur untreated?
- If left untreated, the mild aches associated with this condition can evolve into chronic pain.
- As you try to compensate for the pain, your gait may change – which could impact your knee, hip and back.
What types of treatment are available at Northwest Surgery Center?
Sometimes, heel spurs and their associated conditions can be treated with exercise, ice, and orthotics. When those conservative treatments fail to alleviate the pain, the Northwest Surgery Center can help. Our surgeon will evaluate your condition and may recommend minimally invasive surgery to release the pressure on the stretched plantar fascia. During your consultation, the doctor will also determine if the spur itself has to be removed to complete your treatment.
If I choose to have heel spur surgery at Northwest Surgery Center, what can I expect?
You’ll be treated in one of our modern surgery suites, where we use the latest technologies and equipment. Under local anesthesia, a small incision (about a quarter of an inch) is made, and a specially designed surgical instrument is inserted into this incision. The entire procedure is performed through this tiny opening. At the surgery’s conclusion, a small bandage is used to protect the micro surgery area. The entire procedure takes less than 90 minutes.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Local anesthetic (you remain conscious throughout the procedure)
- Able to walk out of the surgery and even drive yourself home
- Minimal pain
- No immobilization
- Faster recovery
- Small incision
- minimal scarring
- faster healing
Recovery After Heel Spur Treatment
You’ll be able to walk and drive immediately following heel spur treatment, and many of our patients will go back to work the next day. You will need to wear a post-operative shoe for about a week following the operation, and it may take two to four weeks to become fully pain-free. Orthotics or arch supports are generally required after this surgery.
Related Questions About Heel Spur Treatment
What is a heel spur?
A calcium deposit on the underside of the heel bone. They’re common in athletes and tend to develop as we age and flexibility decreases.
What happens if I leave a heel spur untreated?
Mild aches can turn into chronic pain. You may also change your gait to compensate, which can lead to knee, hip, and back problems.
Can heel spurs be treated without surgery?
Sometimes. Exercise, ice, and orthotics can help. But if conservative treatments don’t work, minimally invasive surgery may be needed.
What does minimally invasive heel spur surgery involve?
A quarter-inch incision under local anesthesia. The procedure takes less than 90 minutes. You can walk and drive immediately after, and most patients return to work the next day.
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