Conservative therapy of heel spurs
The conservative therapy of the upper and lower heel spur does not differ. The heel spur is a domain of conservative therapy. A heel spur that is free of complaints does not need to be treated.
The aim is to eliminate the soft tissue inflammation surrounding the heel spur. The general measures of heel spur therapy include everything that contributes to a reduction of the pressure and tensile load on the heel spur. This includes:
- Correction of foot malpositions (insole care).
- Heel cushion with perforated insoleGel inserts over the heel spur area
- Weight reduction
- Reduction of physical strain.
A heel spur can be treated with insoles, so that if the insoles are successful, surgery on the heel can be avoided.
The pain occurs mainly when it occurs, after a longer period of rest, which is often the case in the morning after getting up and after sitting for a long time. The insoles should help to relieve the pain in the area where the heel spur is located in the foot. To adjust the insole, the orthopedist must measure the foot and make an insole specially adapted to the foot.
At the level of the heel spur, the location is marked on the material so that a recess can be fitted there later. The insoles help to relieve the painful area of the heel spur. It is possible to make a heel elevation in the insole or to adjust the insole in such a way that it relieves the longitudinal arch of the foot and thus changes the distribution of forces of the foot so that the heel spur is relieved.
A further advantage of the relief provided by the insoles is that it allows for healing in the area of overload. Due to the permanent over-irritation in the area of the heel spur, an inflammation occurs which is continuously maintained by pressure load (as for example when walking). The irritation is reduced by the relief and the inflammation can heal.
Insoles have the advantage over health shoes that they can be worn in different shoes. Insoles are available in various forms and variations and also made of different materials. The offer ranges from silicone insoles to specially made insoles by the orthopedic technician.
The silicone cushions are inexpensive, easy to handle and very easy to get. There is no need to adjust the foot and therefore a visit to the doctor is not necessary. The silicone cushions are wedges that are inserted into the shoe at the back of the heel.
This results in a soft pressure relief and shock absorption in the area of the heel spur, so that when walking while rolling over the foot, the discomfort is relieved. In general, these silicone cushions are very helpful for frequent walking and running and support relief in the heel area. If the complaints do not respond sufficiently to the silicone cushions, it may be advisable to wear insoles.
There is also a wide range of insoles that can be purchased. Without further doctor’s visit and adjustment, simply held insoles are available in the Internet or health food stores. It is always advisable to consult a doctor and to have a professional adjustment of the feet and the complaints in case of strong, long-lasting complaints.
At the beginning of an examination the foot is examined in detail, risk factors are recognized and in the best case changed (overweight, long standing and walking etc.). To measure the foot, the orthopedic technician makes an impression of the foot. For this purpose, the patient steps into a soft, pliable substance which retains the shape of the foot after stepping into it.
From these indentations in the blocks a detailed insole of the foot can now be simulated and the areas to be relieved can be carefully buffered and cushioned. For this purpose, special foam rubber linings can be worked into the sole or other areas can be lined to undermine the actual painful areas. There are various possibilities to adjust the insoles. The costs of the insoles and the treatment are covered by the health insurance companies, there may be co-payments.
