A Quick Look At Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are a common source of foot pain.   Heel spurs typically occur on the undersurface of the foot and are a bony growth extending from the calcaneus.

 

Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Pain in the morning with activity
  • Improvement in symptoms as you start moving
  • Painful and possible lump on the undersurface of the foot

 

Treatment and Management

An individual with a painful heel spur is likely to alter their gait in an attempt to reduce irritation of their foot.  As a result of this, compensations (stiffness through various joints and overloading of soft tissues) may develop on the symptomatic leg and asymptomatic side.  Whilst the osteopath may not be able to cure your heel spur, they will be able to provide a combination of hands on treatment and management advice to help you better deal with the pain and compensatory changes that are occurring.  In some cases they may refer you off to a podiatrist for an orthoses review as well or to a general practitioner or sports medical doctor for further imaging, advice and pain management.

 

How Can An Osteopath At Principle Four Osteopathy Help You?

  • Your Osteopath will take you through a detailed case history and assessment to help identify the cause of your injury and give you a diagnosis.
  • Your Osteopath will provide you with a treatment and management plan that is appropriate for the injury or condition. This also includes listening to your goals as a client and ensuring that the treatment and management plan is discussed with you and focused towards you achieving these goals.
  • In some cases your Osteopath may be required to refer for further assessment and investigation and this may be with one of our Trusted Professional Network of practitioners.
  • Your Osteopath may provide hands on Osteopathy or provide you with an exercise prescription / rehabilitation program.
  • Your Osteopath will provide you with a treatment and management program that educates and shows you how to better manage your condition through stretching, mobility and strengthening where appropriate.

To find out more about how to better treat and manage your back or neck pain, please call 03 9670 9290 or book an appointment online to see one of our Osteopaths at Principle Four Osteopathy.

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