Results after Heel Spur Removal Surgery in Perth

What is a Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a common complaint at Perth podiatry practices, and is often found incidentally when a patient’s foot is X-rayed for other purposes. Having a heel spur is not a sure predictor for pain in the heel, for example a person can have a heel spur and have no pain in their heel, or can have debilitating heel pain with no associated spur. In this blog we’ll explore why this occurs, what solutions are available for heel spurs and what to expect after heel spur surgery.

 

Heel spurs form when calcium deposits at areas where tendon attaches to bone, therefore spurs can form at both the posterior (back) of the heel and plantar (bottom) of the heel. Plantar heel spurs, which occur where a strong structure called the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone, are more common than those that occur posteriorly at the attachment of the Achilles tendon.

 

Treatment for Heel Spur

There are many conservative treatment options available to treat heel pain relating to plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Some treatments include specific footwear, orthotics, physical therapy, life-style modifications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and injections. Only a small percentage of people who experience heel pain have little or no benefit from conservative treatment options.

 

As a final option, surgery can be performed to partially release the plantar fascia, just distal to where it attaches at the heel bone, as well as to remove the bone spur if required. Plain X-ray imaging will clearly show whether a heel spur is present, however magnetic resonance imaging gives us further insight into whether the heel spur is chronically inflamed. This form of imaging may be recommended prior to considering surgical treatment.

 

Surgery for Heel Spurs

Heel spur surgery can be performed in Perth as a day procedure and patients can weight-bear immediately afterwards in a special splinted sandal. This is generally worn for the first 2 weeks after surgery, after which time the patient can transition into a supportive sneaker style shoe. The procedure is performed through a key-hole incision, using X-rays intra-operatively to guide removal of the spur. The keyhole approach ensures minimisation of scar tissue and allows patients to recover faster from surgery with less overall pain. Patient’s undergoing heel spur surgery by our specialist in Perth, generally have minimal pain immediately afterwards and get back to normal activities within 2-6 weeks. Your post-operative recovery will also incorporate a range of stretching and strengthening exercises which are necessary to minimise long term stiffness and weakness.

 

For more information about heel spur surgery, visit https://www.perthpodiatricsurgery.com/ or call our friendly team on 08 9383 3851.