A heel spur refers to the formation of a bone growth on the heel. When walking or otherwise putting stress on the legs, the spur begins to put pressure on the tissue of the foot, which envelops the heel bone and connects it to the toes (in medicine it is called fascia). This causes pain to the victim and makes movement much more difficult.
This is what a heel spur looks like on an x-ray
There are three methods for getting rid of bone growth:
The most popular today is the shock wave method of treating heel spurs. It has won many positive reviews from patients due to its effectiveness, the absence of major health risks and only a few contraindications.
Shock wave treatment is carried out using special devices. Today there are a very large number of them, both stationary and portable. Basically, the devices are a mechanism with a display (functions and intensity of impact are selected on it) and a sensor, with the help of which a direct impact is carried out on damaged heels.
After just a few treatment procedures, the patient will be able to feel significant relief.
Before the UT procedure itself, the doctor, using an X-ray or ultrasound examination, determines the exact location of the bone growth. The area to be treated is treated with a special gel. Then the device’s sensor is tightly applied to it. On the display, the doctor selects the required intensity of exposure to electrical impulses. Next, the impulses are converted into low-frequency sound waves and passed through the sensor to the heel. The shock wave, hitting the affected area, affects the bone growth and gradually destroys its structure.
The required number of procedures depends on the stage and presence of complications of the disease. This method is most effective in the early stages of treatment. If the growth is small, after 3-4 therapy procedures it can be completely removed. In other cases, about 10 procedures will be required. However, when the disease is too advanced, it is not possible to completely destroy the spur using this method. Moreover, even in such conditions, the patient will feel obvious relief, the pain will subside a little, and blood circulation in the foot will significantly improve. According to experts, the optimal break between procedures should be from three to seven days.
The duration of one session is about 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of the growth and the device used. In most cases, the sharp pain subsides immediately after the session and gradually disappears throughout the day. However, over time, the pain may return again. Therefore, you must undergo exactly the same number of procedures as prescribed by the doctor.
It should be noted that the benefit of this method is not only the ability to get rid of spurs. The effect of shock waves is also beneficial in that they improve blood circulation, promote cell restoration, and improve metabolism.
The therapy procedure is mostly painless. But if the stage is advanced and there are individual characteristics of the body’s sensitivity, the patient may experience discomfort or some increased pain.
Another advantage of the shock wave method is that subsequently there is no need to undergo a post-rehabilitation period, as is necessary in cases of surgical removal of the spur. However, it is still recommended to rest more and not overstrain the sore leg for 24 hours after each session.
It should also be remembered that having removed the growth once, there is no guarantee that it will not form in the future. Of course, shock wave therapy promotes tissue regeneration and improves blood circulation, which is very important, but the general rules should not be neglected in order to prevent relapse.
For the effectiveness of therapy, it is very important to accurately determine the location of the growth, which is not always possible to do with a routine examination, so it is better to undergo an X-ray or ultrasound examination
Despite the positive effects of shock wave therapy, there are some contraindications to its use. You should not resort to this method in the following cases:
According to reviews from doctors, you should not resort to this method if the patient has thin vessels, as this can contribute to the appearance of hematomas.
There may be cases when, due to the individual characteristics of the body, the patient experiences increased pain during a session. In such conditions, the patient is either injected with an anesthetic or the procedure is temporarily stopped.
Another unpleasant point is the cost of the procedures. Because they are not cheap. However, if we take into account the effectiveness compared to taking medications and the health benefits, as well as the minimum risk compared to surgical removal of the spur, we can confidently say that this cost is justified.
Treatment of heel spurs with the shock wave method should be taken seriously. Since an effective result can be achieved only with a reliably established diagnosis, detection of the exact location of the spur, examination of the body for the presence of contraindications to the use of this method.
You should also choose the most effective device that is suitable specifically for your case. Today there is a very large selection of devices with different sources and slightly different mechanisms of action. Therefore, before making a final decision, it is better to familiarize yourself with your diagnosis in detail. You should ask what devices are available at a particular clinic that provides shock wave treatment services, and their medical indications.
Today, there is a very large variety of devices for shock-sound therapy.
Shock waves can be produced from several sources:
Devices with an electromagnetic source are much more expensive and larger in size. According to experts, they are much more effective in advanced forms of the disease. To treat spurs at the initial stages, it will be sufficient to use mechanisms with a pneumatic source of shock waves.
There are also UT devices that contain several sources simultaneously. This allows for combination therapy. First, the impulse is carried out over the entire painful area, then localized precisely at the painful point.
You should also pay attention to the fact that there are different sensors through which impulses in the form of waves are transmitted to the affected area. Some are capable of transmitting shock waves deeply and covering a large area of the foot, while others act precisely at the most painful point, some are capable of transmitting impulses only a few millimeters. Therefore, for the results to be effective, it is necessary to choose the right tool correctly.
Today you can also find a huge number of portable devices on the market. They are very popular among doctors who work with athletes. But it should be noted that, according to most experts, thanks to such mechanisms, treatment of heel spurs is possible only at unadvanced, uncomplicated stages.
Today, portable devices for shock wave treatment are very popular.
Shock wave therapy (SWT) is used to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This procedure was invented in Switzerland and very quickly gained popularity around the world.
For serious joint injuries, modern medicine often uses shock wave therapy as an alternative to surgery.
Joint injuries can occur in accidents, from excessive physical exertion, as well as from physical inactivity due to a small load on them, as a result of which the connective tissues become very vulnerable. One of the painful ailments of a traumatic nature is plantar (plantar) fasciitis or heel spur, as it is popularly called.
Heel spur (plantar fasciitis) is an inflammatory and degenerative change in the plantar fascia. The main symptom of the disease is acute unbearable pain in the heel area, which tends to intensify with exercise. Pain can also arise from bone growths that injure the surrounding soft tissues in the heel.
Shock wave therapy is based on the fact that high-energy vibrations are briefly applied to the affected area, which can relieve pain, improve blood circulation, destroy pathological bone growths and stimulate fibroblasts, which regenerate connective tissue cells - ligaments and tendons.
The device, transmitting waves of a given frequency, affects the affected area of the body. As a result of the procedures, active tissue regeneration occurs, swelling decreases and, due to vasodilation, microcirculation improves.
UVT affects cells, which leads to their restoration. This procedure is completely harmless for healthy organs.
Shock wave therapy is indicated for various diseases of the bone and connective tissue:
Shock wave therapy is contraindicated in many cases and can cause harm to the body if used incorrectly:
Reviews about the treatment of heel spurs with shock wave therapy are very contradictory. Among them there are many positive, but also many negative reviews.
Positive reviews indicate that relief and improvement became noticeable after the first procedure.
In positive reviews, pain during shock wave therapy of the heel spur is characterized as tolerable. It is stated that acute pain occurs only in the first sessions and when the disease is severely neglected.
Among the negative reviews, the main idea is doubt about the effectiveness of this method for treating heel spurs.
Also, in negative reviews, many talk about the severe pain of the procedure itself during the treatment of heel spurs with UVT and its high cost.
In negative comments, some patients write that there are slight improvements after therapy, but only for a while, and then the pain returns again.
Therefore, shock wave therapy should only be prescribed by a medical professional based on an accurate diagnosis. Then heel spur treatment should bring pain relief and recovery.
In addition to treating heel spurs with shock wave therapy, there are other ways to cope with this ailment.
You may also be interested in reading the following articles:
Included: the first procedure in a course of shock wave therapy (SWT) treatment of one anatomical zone.
Heel spur (plantar fasciitis) is a type of microtrauma of the plantar ligament, accompanied by an inflammatory process. It is almost impossible to identify this disease in the early stages. Characteristic signs of this disease are the sensation of acute pain in the heel area. Most often, spurs form against the background of existing flat feet.
Shock wave therapy is by far the most effective treatment method for heel spurs available to modern medicine. In our center, treatment is carried out using the Swiss shock wave therapy device SWISS DOLORCLAST. The successful experience of our specialists over many years and first-class equipment will allow you to quickly and, most importantly, painlessly get rid of the problem with heel spurs.
Novichenko Sergey Igorevich
Traumatologist, orthopedist of the highest category.
Shock wave therapy specialist. Proficient in all methods of conservative and surgical treatment of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system: deforming osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis, diseases of the joints and periarticular tissues, post-traumatic neuritis, cotractures, diseases and deformities of the feet. Performs all types of blockades and joint manipulations. Has publications in Russian and foreign press.
Efimova Svetlana Mikhailovna
Physiotherapist. Shock wave therapy specialist.
Work experience in practical healthcare for more than 22 years. She professionally treats acute diseases using shock wave therapy: heel spurs, spinal osteochondrosis, including disc herniation, post-traumatic neuritis, as well as diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as arthrosis, arthritis, coxarthrosis, epicondylitis, sports injuries.
Kirguev Albert Eduardovich
Traumatologist-orthopedist, specialist in shock wave therapy.
Graduated from VSMA named after. Burdenko N.N. Voronezh. He worked in children's and adult trauma departments, in neurosurgery, and in the clinic of the Central District Hospital. Socialized to provide qualified medical care to the adult population, all types of drug blockades, prompt outpatient care, repositions, minimally invasive metal osteosynthesis, plaster fixation, polymer fixation, insoles, shock wave therapy.
The standard course of treatment using the UVT method consists of 5-8 procedures with an interval of 4-7 days.
Shock wave therapy for heel spurs is the treatment of bony growths located on the plantar side of the heel bone using acoustic waves. A bone growth can range in size from a few millimeters to 1.2 centimeters; it may not bother a person in any way, or it can provoke severe acute pain and lead to long-term disability.
Shock wave therapy is a physiotherapeutic method that allows one to avoid surgery when conservative treatment of heel spurs is ineffective. The technique was developed and first tested in Germany and Switzerland more than 20 years ago. Since then, it has established itself as one of the most effective methods for treating heel spurs and has become a full-fledged replacement for surgery.
To undergo the procedure, you will need specialized equipment, which is a source of shock sound vibrations.
With the local impact of waves on the affected area, existing compactions and deposits are split. The shock wave blocks pain receptors, reducing sensitivity at the site of impact. Salt deposits are loosened, which helps reduce the load on the fascia as calcifications are washed away.
In addition, the process of tissue restoration is accelerated, and micro-tears in the fascia heal faster. Increased blood flow removes disintegrated salt deposits, and nutrition of the heel bone is restored due to the normalization of metabolic processes.
Ultrasound has an effect at the molecular level, which allows it not to affect healthy tissue and only affects pathological areas. Intact heel tissues are protected from ultrasound by the existing elastic membrane. Pathological growths and deposits are destroyed due to active mechanical and physico-chemical influence on them.
There is no need to worry about treating heel spurs using the shock wave method. This procedure is widely used in medicine. Waves of a certain length are used to treat various pathologies. For example, exposure to high intensity waves is required to break down kidney stones. To get rid of heel spurs, medium and low-intensity exposure is sufficient. This allows you to reduce pain, relieve inflammation, and gradually destroy existing deposits.
The specialist regulates the pulse frequency and pressure manually, which makes it possible to select the optimal effect for each individual patient. The waves emanating from the device act exclusively on the pathological focus, without having any effect on either nearby tissues or the body as a whole.
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Shock wave therapy for heel spurs cannot be started without prior preparation. To do this, the patient needs to consult an orthopedist, undergo an X-ray examination or MRI, and also take a blood clotting test.
In addition, the doctor must examine the patient again immediately before the procedure. Using the palpation method, the doctor will determine the place on the heel that responds with maximum pain, and it is this area that will be exposed to the effects of waves. Most often, this is the center of the heel bone.
The patient lies down or sits on the couch, and a special gel is applied to the skin of the heel. Then the doctor installs a special sensor on the surface of the heel, which will be a source of shock waves. The specialist selects the angle of inclination of the sensor independently. Waves have the ability to quickly propagate through a liquid medium and be reflected from dense tissue. Therefore, they pass through the soft tissue of the heel and impact the bone. Due to this, the therapeutic effect is produced.
During the procedure, the patient may feel only minor touches; the person will not see or hear the waves. The procedure is carried out either in a clinic or in a medical center, its duration varies from 10 to 30 minutes. At least 5 sessions are recommended for one course, possibly increasing to 7 procedures.
It is important that the interval between each visit to the physiotherapy office is at least 3 days, but not more than 20 days. During this time, the tissues are restored, and disintegrated calcifications are removed from the body. The doctor must inquire about the patient’s well-being; if the disease worsens, the procedure is postponed.
The effect can be felt immediately upon completion of the first session, as pain decreases immediately after the procedure by approximately 20%. Their intensity decreases over approximately 5 hours. They may bother a person for several more days, appearing and then appearing again, but the degree of their severity will decrease all the time.
So, thanks to shock wave therapy for heel spurs, the following results can be achieved:
Reduce the intensity of pain;
Normalize blood circulation;
Gradually dissolve and remove calcifications;
Strengthen the ligamentous apparatus of the foot, the Achilles tendon.
There are no side effects to this procedure. The patient will not experience allergic reactions, which is possible when treated with medications.
The effect of therapy will not be long in coming.
Treatment is carried out in an outpatient clinic.
The patient has the opportunity to avoid surgery.
The procedure is comfortable for the patient, non-traumatic, and does not cause pain or other irritation.
The procedure is short in time and does not take more than half an hour.
In addition to improving blood supply, relieving pain and inflammation, it will be possible to get rid of bone growth.
The therapeutic effect is achieved quickly and remains for a long time.
Shock wave therapy for heel spurs has no disadvantages - it is a quick and safe way to get rid of existing pathology. The only disadvantage of the procedure can be considered the presence of contraindications that exist for any therapeutic effect on the body.
Shock wave treatment sessions cannot be performed in the following cases:
In the presence of oncological formations, including benign tumors.
During the period of gestation.
In case of disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system: hypotension, arrhythmia, thrombophlebitis of the legs.
For infectious diseases in the acute phase.
In case of poisoning of the body.
Under the age of 18.
For diseases of the nervous system.
If there is bleeding in the foot area.
For blood clotting disorders.
Shock wave therapy is suitable even for those patients who could not be helped by conservative methods. It is possible to use this type of treatment either separately from other therapeutic interventions or in combination with physiotherapy and drug correction. The effectiveness of shock wave therapy is at least 90%, and the result is characterized by persistent positive dynamics. However, the cause of heel spurs must be identified and eliminated. Only in this case can it be guaranteed that the spur will not form again.
Author of the article: Kaplan Alexander Sergeevich, traumatologist, orthopedist, especially for the site ayzdorov.ru
A heel spur is a growth of the heel bone in the area of the tubercle on the plantar side or in the area of attachment of the Achilles tendon. The growth has the shape of a spike or wedge. Heel spurs are also called plantar fasciitis. The disease is widespread, its share among the total mass of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system is 10%.
The first and main sign of plantar fasciitis is sharp pain in the heel area that occurs when trying to take a step after sleep. Pain tends to subside quickly after a few steps and gradually intensify towards the end of the day, which occurs due to an increase in the number of micro-tears.
To prepare this folk remedy for treating spurs, you will need a jar with a lid, the capacity to match the glass. But if you don’t have one, then you can use a regular glass. Ingredients: One fresh egg; 200 grams of natural unsalted butter.
X-ray therapy for heel spurs is a method of treating the disease by exposing problem areas to X-rays. X-rays are widely used in medicine not only for diagnosing various pathologies, but also for their therapy.
A heel spur is not a dangerous disease that can have fatal consequences. However, it can make life significantly more difficult through constant and severe pain. It will no longer be possible to move with the same ease with such a problem. Therefore, methods for treating heel spurs, at least at a superficial level, should be known to everyone.
Considering how common a disease heel spur is, the process of its treatment has been enriched with many techniques that can neutralize this problem. Effective treatment of heel spurs also involves a method such as shock wave therapy, also called ultrasound. This method can be characterized as quite young, but the results achieved with its help confirm its relevance.
Already in the 90s, doctors in Germany began to use shock wave therapy to treat heel spurs. Feedback from patients proved the effectiveness of the technique, after which it began to be actively used in other countries. The value of such treatment is that it allows you to neutralize the disease without surgical intervention. Injuries to the skin and soft tissues are minimized. In general, this technique can be defined as extremely gentle. As for the level of effectiveness of such therapy, it is comparable to the results after surgery.
Treatment of heel spurs with shock wave therapy (reviews of the method, as already mentioned, are more than good), involves the use of special equipment that emits shock sound waves. The pulses of these waves, emitted at a certain frequency, affect the diseased area in such a way that, as a result, the impulses that the receptors transmit are blocked.
Another feature of this technique is its ability to minimize the load on the ligament by loosening salt deposits, as a result of which they are washed out. This process of influencing the spur helps reduce swelling, eliminate pain and activate tissue regeneration.
Moreover, treatment of heel spurs with shock wave therapy (reviews of which only confirm its relevance) has a beneficial effect on the process of cell restoration and increases the speed of metabolic processes occurring in tissues. As a result, by reducing pain and subsequently eliminating its cause, exposure to ultrasound leads to complete recovery of the heel.
It is important to understand that the shock wave technique does not have a negative effect on healthy areas of the foot, eliminating only pathological formations. This result was made possible thanks to the use of a special elastic membrane that protects healthy tissue.
In the process of studying the topic: “Heel spur: treatment (shock wave therapy),” it is important to note another feature of the effects of ultrasound - by improving blood vessels, blood microcirculation is stabilized. At the same time, the shock wave method is capable of providing antispasmodic, absorbable and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, physicochemical, thermal and mechanical effects occur simultaneously.
Before ultrasound is used, the patient needs to complete a few simple steps:
— undergo magnetic resonance therapy (if necessary) and examination by an orthopedist;
— obtain the results of an x-ray examination;
- take a test that determines blood clotting (coagulogram).
An examination by an orthopedic doctor is an important stage of preparation, since right before the procedure, the specialist determines the area of the heel that is particularly painful. In most cases, it turns out to be the center of the heel, where the shock sound wave is directed.
The very essence of the procedure can hardly be called complicated. First, the skin is lubricated with gel, after which a special applicator sensor is installed on it, which sends 1500 pulses through the skin during the session. In this case, soft tissues are able to perceive the impact of pulses at a depth of 4 cm. In a liquid medium, waves of a certain frequency propagate quite quickly, quickly passing through soft tissues and being reflected from the bone. In the end, it all comes down to the process of deep micromassage.
Modern technologies are used in cases where any topical therapy is carried out. Heel spurs, the treatment of which must be high-tech, also belong to their category. The equipment available to doctors makes it possible to deliver shock wave effects when the patient is lying down, as well as in a sitting position. The procedure itself is usually carried out in a specialized medical center or clinic. In this case, the maximum that the patient will feel is a light touch, since ultrasonic waves are inaudible and invisible.
During one course of treatment, an average of 5-7 procedures are performed. As for the duration of one session, it is 10-30 minutes. The duration of the interval between procedures is determined depending on the patient’s well-being. If there is pain in the heel, the session may be suspended.
After therapy has been carried out, the intensity of pain may change: in the affected part of the foot it initially decreases by approximately 20%, after which it gradually subsides over 5 hours.
If the disease is treated in an advanced stage, the pain may return for a while, but then it will gradually disappear.
Ultrasound treatment can have the following effects:
— launching the process of resorption and disintegration of calcifications;
— improvement of blood circulation in the affected area;
- reducing the feeling of pain;
- strengthening tendons and ligaments.
It makes sense to pay attention to the benefits that treatment of heel spurs with shock wave therapy has. Reviews from patients confirm specific positive qualities of ultrasound:
— there is always the opportunity to undergo treatment on an outpatient basis;
— the problem is solved without surgical intervention;
— the effectiveness of the method is quite high;
— no side effects;
— there is no pain during treatment;
— the whole procedure takes no more than 30 minutes.
Despite the fact that the use of ultrasound is not associated with potential harm to health, this type of therapy is not recommended for certain conditions. This:
- low blood pressure;
- heart rhythm disturbance;
- malignant tumors localized in the affected area of the foot;
- exposure to bone growth points in children under 18 years of age is prohibited;
- fragility of the vascular network;
— thrombophlebitis of the veins (in the legs);
— diseases of the nervous system;
If we talk about the drug effect on this problem, then it is worth paying attention to certain groups of drugs that can have a noticeable effect:
— Hormonal drugs. This category includes Betamethasone (Diprospan), Hydrocortisone and Kenalog. As for “Hydrocortisone”, in most cases it comes in the form of an ointment or gel. But Betamethasone is used in the form of local injections maximum once a week. It makes sense to use this medicine only in cases where you have to deal with a severe form of the disease. The essence of Diprospan's action is to reduce the amount of inflammatory mediators in tissues. Within the framework of a topic such as “Heel spur, symptoms and treatment,” medications deserve special attention because of their effectiveness and important nuances of use.
— Drugs from the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We are talking about Ketoprofen, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen and Voltaren. The key therapeutic value of these drugs is to reduce vascular permeability, reduce the production of inflammatory activators and improve the microvasculature. These medications can be used as topical medications, injections, and tablets.
— Products that have an anti-inflammatory effect, used by application to the skin. “Dimexide” falls into this category, which can take the form of a concentrated liquid, ointment, suppositories and gel. The therapeutic effect of this medicine is due to its ability to quickly penetrate soft tissues and deep layers of skin. If you have to deal with liquid Dimexide, it is important to understand that it cannot be used in concentrated form. The solution must be diluted with water and only then applied to the affected area in the form of applications.
— Physiotherapeutic administration of medications. Topic: “Heel spur, symptoms and treatment, medications” involves the study of techniques such as laser therapy and the effects of vibroacoustics.
The most effective and also quick results can be achieved if, together with medications, vibroacoustic effects are used using the Vitafon apparatus.
The patient will have access to 4 modes of action, each of which is focused on a certain degree of severity of a disease such as heel spur. Treatment with Vitafon has a number of tangible advantages that are worth paying attention to:
— rids the body of waste and toxins;
— improves the condition of the immune system;
— normalizes lymphatic drainage and neutralizes swelling;
— improves blood circulation and the outflow of venous blood in particular.
The essence of the effect of vibroacoustics is to encourage the walls of capillaries to contract, as a result of which blood flow becomes more active and blood stagnation is prevented. Vibroacoustic effects affect deep tissues, which cannot be qualitatively influenced through conventional massage. A noticeable reduction in pain occurs on average after 3-4 sessions.
At the same time, Vitafon has certain contraindications for its use. Pregnant women, as well as those who have artificial pacemakers, are prohibited from exposure to vibroacoustics. This procedure is also irrelevant for patients who have been diagnosed with a febrile state, the presence of malignant tumors and thrombophlebitis.
This type of therapeutic effect, which is also called quantum treatment, is one of the most common and accessible. The laser has a number of significant advantages that are worth paying attention to:
- anti-edematous and bactericidal effect;
- low cost of treatment;
Laser treatment can be divided into three key stages. First, the patient undergoes daily treatment sessions for 10 days, followed by a second stage of laser treatment of the spur, lasting 14 days. The therapy is completed by repeating the first stage (10 days), but with certain changes.
This method can be called one of the most effective in neutralizing problems such as heel spurs. Laser treatment (patient reviews confirm the safety of the technique) begins with the use of low power, which subsequently increases. If one session does not bring the desired result, the doctor may prescribe several repetitions.
Despite the value of laser therapy, it has certain contraindications. We are talking about diseases such as heart failure, any tumors, thyrotoxicosis, pulmonary failure and diabetes mellitus. If such diagnoses are identified, it is better to choose a different type of therapy.
For a disease such as heel spur, laser treatment (reviews from doctors confirm this) remains one of the most popular therapeutic methods.
Effective methods of treating heel spurs include treatment using x-rays. The essence of the method is that concentrated rays are directed to the affected area of the heel. Moderate exposure to radiation causes the nerve endings to be blocked, causing pain to disappear.
Medical treatment of heel spurs, which involves radiotherapy, is designed for 10 sessions, each of which lasts no more than 10 minutes.
This technique has tangible advantages that are worthy of attention:
— radiation affects only the heel spur;
— quite high efficiency;
— X-rays have anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects;
— the procedure is absolutely painless.
Regarding the issue of contraindications when using x-ray therapy, it is worth noting that exposure to radiation is prohibited only for pregnant women. For those who have developed heel spurs, treatment with radiotherapy may be one of the best options. In this case, after completing the course of treatment, it is necessary to ensure unloading of the foot. This means that you will have to use special orthotics or shoes, control your weight and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Considering that some therapeutic methods have contraindications, you always need to have an alternative option for treating a problem such as a heel spur. Treatment with bile (patient reviews confirm its effectiveness) has sufficient potential to neutralize heel spurs. The value of such treatment is that it can be carried out independently at home. Medical bile itself is sold without a prescription at any pharmacy.
The essence of the technique is to fix a lotion with bile on the affected area of the foot and go to bed with it. For such purposes, a piece of cotton cloth or gauze is suitable, which must be moistened with bile, applied to the foot, covered with polyethylene and fixed. To enhance the fixation, you should wear a sock. To achieve complete neutralization of the spur, you need to repeat this procedure 20 times, preferably without breaks. You should not pause even if the pain is no longer felt. This is a fairly reliable method by which heel spurs can be eliminated. Treatment with bile reviews are extremely positive and are not fraught with any side effects.
There are many remedies that can be used to effectively treat heel spurs at home. It’s worth starting with ointments that have proven their relevance:
- Indomethacin ointment. This anti-inflammatory drug can be easily purchased at the pharmacy. This ointment should be thoroughly rubbed into the affected heel three times a day. On average, the course of treatment lasts two or three weeks without interruptions.
— Hydrocortisone ointment. In order for this remedy to give maximum effect, you must first steam your feet and only then rub the ointment into the heel.
- “Dolobene.” In this case, we are talking about a combination drug that has an anti-inflammatory effect. It can significantly improve metabolic processes in the tissues of the foot. In this case, apply the gel in a thin layer and rub in thoroughly. The procedure is repeated 3-4 times a day. If there is a need to apply the gel as a compress, then in order to avoid skin burns, you need to wait a few minutes for the alcohol to disappear.
— For a problem such as a heel spur, treatment with ointments also involves the use of folk recipes. Therefore, it makes sense to mention honey ointment. To prepare it you will need 1 teaspoon of salt (finely ground), 1 tablespoon of honey and 50 ml of iodine. Honey and salt must be thoroughly mixed and iodine added to the resulting mass. The finished ointment is thoroughly mixed and smeared onto a cotton pad, which is applied to the affected heel.
— Egg-cream ointment. The ingredients you need to use are half a glass of apple cider vinegar, 100 g of butter and 1 raw egg. The butter melted in a water bath must be cooled and mixed with the egg. The shells should not be thrown away - they will have to be crushed and added to the mixture. Vinegar is added last, after which everything is thoroughly mixed. Next, the finished ointment is placed in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. It needs to be stirred during the process. It is applied to the steamed heel, after which the compress is fixed on the foot for 30 minutes. Half an hour later, the ointment is washed off, and a sock is put on the washed foot.
If you have a heel spur, salt treatment can also be a good way to relieve the pain. We are talking about a bath, for the preparation of which a solution of soda and salt is used. Preparing the bath is quite simple: add a tablespoon of baking soda and the same amount of salt to 1 liter of water (hot). All this is thoroughly stirred until the components are completely dissolved. A bath is made from the resulting solution.
As you can see, there are many effective ways to treat heel spurs. When choosing a specific technique, do not forget about possible contraindications. If the severity of the disease can be defined as mild, then there is every chance of getting rid of heel spurs at home.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for heel spurs is a modern, painless treatment method. UVT allows a person to get rid of callus without surgery and quickly return to their normal lifestyle.
Plantar fasciitis, better known as a heel spur, is detected in 80-90% of cases with constant nagging pain in the heel area. In the area of the sole there is a plantar fascia, which is tightly attached to the heel bone. It bears almost the entire load when walking, which explains the frequent inflammatory changes in this area.
Even 20 years ago, the disease was treated with surgery, but modern medicine offers an alternative option - extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). The technique has been introduced into treatment since 2006. A positive treatment result is observed in 30-80% of cases. Orthopedic traumatologists have not come to a consensus on the issue of heel spurs: some are confident in the uselessness of the method, others actively practice it in their own practice.
Most orthopedists attribute the lack of effect of treatment to incorrect diagnosis of heel spurs. Often the disease is diagnosed based on a person’s complaints and x-ray pictures. The lack of effect of conservative treatment and pain in the heel, combined with “starting” pain, force the orthopedist to resort to shock wave therapy.
Diagnosis of the disease begins with a standard blood, urine and biochemistry test.
X-ray in two projections - this method allows you to identify foot deformation, the presence of osteophytes, and the degree of tissue damage. X-rays are also needed for differential diagnosis, since heel spurs are not the only cause of foot pain. Heel pain can be caused by: achillotendinitis (inflammation of the Achilles tendon), nerve compression, Sever's disease (inflammation of the scaphoid bone, the disease develops in childhood).
In modern clinics, in addition to X-rays of the foot, ultrasound examinations are also performed, which makes it possible to identify altered tissues in the plantar aponeurosis. An ultrasound sign of a heel spur: thickening of the plantar fascia greater than 4 mm and tissue heterogeneity. In severe cases, there is swelling of the subcutaneous fat in the damaged area.
For the prevention and treatment of diseases of the JOINTS and SPINE, our readers use a new NON-SURGICAL treatment based on natural extracts, which..
In rare cases, your doctor may need an MRI scan.
If a person has pain, but the doctor has not identified any changes based on ultrasound and x-rays, then there is no point in performing ESWT - it is necessary to carry out a differential diagnosis and exclude other diseases.
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The person is placed on the couch on his stomach in the most comfortable position, with a soft cushion placed under the foot. A gel is applied to clean skin in the area of injury, which improves the glide of the sensor and prevents interference during treatment. A special applicator sensor is installed on the heel at an angle of 30. Next, the device begins to send sound waves of a certain frequency.
The first procedures provide for a low intensity of the therapeutic effect: frequency 6-7 Hz and the number of pulses up to 2000. Good tolerability of the treatment and positive effect make it possible to increase the strength of the effect on the changed area. The pulse frequency is reduced to 5-6, and their number is increased to 2500-3000.
During the procedure, the patient may feel discomfort, tingling, crawling, burning, but in general the manipulation is painless and the person tolerates it well.
The course of treatment includes 8-11 sessions, the treatment regimen is drawn up by a doctor. There should be an interval of 4-7 days between each procedure, which is necessary to restore damaged tissue. In some cases, the use of shock wave therapy causes an exacerbation of the inflammatory process and heel pain. You should not stop treatment, just increase the interval between procedures.
If there is a severe exacerbation between procedures, it is recommended to undergo concomitant physical treatment:
Treatment should be carried out under ultrasound control to assess the positive dynamics and, if necessary, change the strength of the effect. In the first ESWT sessions, ultrasound will not show any changes, but subsequently the thickness of the plantar aponeurosis decreases, the tissue structure becomes homogeneous, and tissue swelling disappears.
Under the influence of frequent ultrasonic waves, inflammation is reduced, metabolic and reparative processes are normalized. In the presence of calcified lesions, sound exposure causes their destruction and restores the physiological anatomy of the foot. Blood circulation accelerates in the area of damage, which promotes tissue healing. All changes lead to the subsidence of the pathological process and the disappearance of painful attacks.
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Medical research has made it possible to conduct a comparative analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of ESWT.
The effectiveness of extracorporeal ultrasound therapy directly depends on the accuracy of the diagnosis and the qualifications of the specialist. It is necessary to resort to ESWT only if there is a confirmed diagnosis and a complete examination of the person. A pronounced positive effect is obtained in the presence of plantar fasciitis with a characteristic clinical picture and confirmed by ultrasound. It should be remembered that for heel spurs associated with other joint diseases, ultrasound therapy will have a less pronounced effect. In such cases, in addition to ESWT, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, compresses, and symptomatic treatment are used.
The shock wave therapy method has helped many people recover and return to a normal lifestyle. The treatment is effective, there are practically no side effects, which allows ESWT to occupy a leading position in the treatment of heel spurs.
“The heel spur did not allow me to play sports, I had to limit my movement, and I was practically chained to a chair. Shockwave therapy helped me get back on my feet, I wear heels, run, lead a normal lifestyle and am happy!”
“A traumatologist spoke about shock wave therapy. Previously, I went to doctors several times and were offered surgery, but I was afraid. I took a course of shock wave therapy and forgot about the pain. I visit the doctor periodically to monitor the disease. But two years have passed and the spur has not returned.”
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