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- $Unique_ID{BRK00641}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{What is the "Heel Spur Syndrome"}
- $Subject{foot spur heel syndrome treatment Musculoskeletal Connective tissues
- Tissue inflammation tendons tendon plantar fascia bone exostosis calcaneus}
- $Volume{M-17}
- $Log{
- Heel Pain*0006204.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- What is the "Heel Spur Syndrome"
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- QUESTION: It is more than mere annoyance and it is completely ruining my
- carefully planned exercise program. What can you tell me about the "heel spur
- syndrome" that bothers runners and how is it treated?
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-
- ANSWER: Heel spur syndrome is a painful condition of the heel and bottom of
- the foot that can happen to runners and others who walk or use their feet a
- lot. It is usually triggered by an injury to the heel. The syndrome is
- misnamed a bit because it may be due to an inflammation of a tendon called the
- plantar fascia that runs along the bottom of the foot as well as a true heel
- spur, an overgrowth of bone (exostosis) that extends from the weight bearing
- portion of the heel bone (the calcaneus) forward along the same tendon. This
- type of spur is frequently found affecting both feet, but not all spurs cause
- pain, nor is every heel pain caused by a spur. The easiest way to treat heel
- spur syndrome is to give your feet a bit of the extra rest they are demanding.
- It may help to take pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs. Runners who
- develop this syndrome should add extra heel padding to their running shoes.
- Several special heel pads for this condition are currently on the market.
- Special taping or strapping of the foot may also help. If symptoms are not
- relieved, cortisone injections may be prescribed and if the condition does not
- respond, surgical removal may be necessary if the spur is the cause of the
- pain.
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-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-