Newport News Podiatrist | Newport News Heel Spurs | VA | American Foot & Ankle Center |

A heel spur is an abnormal growth of the heel bone. They can develop at the back and/or under the heel bone.  This condition can occur when calcium deposits form as the result of inflammation of the achilles tendon and/or the plantar fascia ligaments, causing a bony protrusion, or heel spur to develop.  The Achilles tendon is a long tough ligament that attaches the calf muscle to the back of the heel bone.  Plantar fascia is a broad ligament located along the bottom surface of the foot that runs from the heel to the forefoot.

Heel spurs can cause extreme pain in the rearfoot, especially while standing or walking.  You may be prone to developing this painful condition if you have flat feet or excessively high arches, or if you have poor alignment in your feet that causes you to walk on the inner or outer edges of your feet.  Overweight individuals may be more likely to develop plantar fasciitis and it can occur from spending hours on the feet in shoes that offer little or no support.

Common treatments for this conditions include the use of a night splint, anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, simple stretching exercises, physical therapy and orthotics.  Some individuals may feel relief from the pain by switching footwear.

If you are experiencing heel pain, don't wait, come visit our office and learn what treatment options are available for you.