Posterior Heel Spur
Often something we can treat without surgery, coming in early will greatly help!
DPM, FACFAS
What is a Posterior Heel Spur?
A posterior heel spur is a bone prominence or calcium deposit that develops on the back of the heel bone where the Achilles tendon inserts. The spur itself is within the tendon and can irritate and damage the tendon over time.
Symptoms
Posterior heel spurs can often cause no symptoms, but they can also be associated with periodic or constant pain, especially when active. Posterior heel spurs can cause pain when wearing closed-heel shoes. Sometimes redness and swelling may develop, further increasing the pain.
What are the causes of a Posterior Heel Spur?
Heel spurs are caused from a tight Achilles tendon (the big tendon you can see in the back of the ankle that elevates your heel when you walk). As the Achilles pulls on the bone, it can stimulate a reaction in the bone that forms the spur.
Treatment Options
Posterior heel spurs can often be managed without surgery by wearing open-back shoes, icing the area, physical therapy, heel lifts or splints. But when non-surgical management does not work, outpatient surgery may be necessary to remove the spur and repair any damage to the Achilles tendon, and to relax the tendon so that a new spur does not form later. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kaufman at Anchorage Foot & Ankle Clinic to determine if you have a posterior heel spur and to discuss an appropriate treatment plan for you.
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