Heel spur does not belong to dangerous diseases that are fraught with fatal consequences. Nevertheless, it can significantly complicate life through constant and severe pain. Moving with the same ease with such a problem will not work. Therefore, methods of treating heel spurs at least at the surface level should be known to everyone.
The advantage of shock wave therapy
Considering how common the heel spur is, the process of its treatment has been enriched by a variety of techniques that can neutralize this problem. Effective treatment of heel spurs involves a method such as shock wave therapy, also called ultrasound. This method can be described as quite young, but the results achieved with its help confirm its relevance.
Already in the 90s, doctors in Germany began to use the treatment of heel spurs with shock wave therapy. Patient reviews proved the effectiveness of the technique, after which it began to be actively used in other countries. The value of such treatment lies in the fact 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 sparing. As for the level of effectiveness of such therapy, it is comparable with the results after surgery.
Treatment of heel spurs with shock wave therapy (reviews of the technique, as already mentioned, are more than good), involves the use of special equipment that emits shock sound waves. The pulses of these waves, emitted with a certain frequency, act on the affected area in such a way that, as a result, the pulses that transmit the receptors are blocked.
Another feature of this technique is its ability to minimize the load on the ligament due to loosening of salt deposits, as a result of which they are washed out. This process of action on the spur helps to reduce swelling, eliminate pain and activate tissue regeneration.
Moreover, the treatment of heel spurs with shock wave therapy (reviews of which only confirm its relevance) has a beneficial effect on the process of cell recovery and increases the speed of metabolic processes in the tissues. As a result, by reducing the pain and then eliminating its cause, exposure to ultrasound leads to a complete recovery of the heel.
It is important to understand that the shock wave technique does not adversely affect healthy areas of the foot, eliminating only pathological formations. This result was made possible by using a special elastic membrane that protects healthy tissues.
In the process of studying the topic: “Calcaneal spur: treatment (shock wave therapy)”, it is important to note another feature of the effect of ultrasound - blood microcirculation is stabilized by improving blood vessels. In this case, the shock-wave method is capable of exerting an antispasmodic, absorbable and anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, the physico-chemical, thermal and mechanical effects are simultaneously.
Preparation for treatment
Before ultrasound is used, the patient needs to perform several simple steps:
- undergo magnetic resonance therapy (if necessary) and examination by an orthopedist;
- get the results of an x-ray examination;
- pass an analysis that determines blood coagulability (coagulogram).
An examination by an orthopedic surgeon is an important stage of preparation, since right before the procedure, the specialist determines the portion 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 sensor-applicator is installed on it, which during the session sends 1500 pulses through the skin. In this case, soft tissues are able to perceive the effect of pulses at a depth of 4 cm. In a liquid medium, waves of a certain frequency propagate quickly enough, quickly passing through soft tissues and reflected from the bone. As a result, it all comes down to the process of deep micromassage.
What is used during therapy
Modern technologies are used in cases where any topical therapy is carried out. Calcaneal spur, the treatment of which should be high-tech, also belongs to their category. The equipment available to physicians allows you to have a shock wave effect when the patient is lying, as well as in a sitting position. The procedure itself is carried out, as a rule, in a specialized medical center or clinic. At the same time, the maximum that the patient feels is a light touch, because 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 well-being of the patient. If pain is present in the heel, the session may be suspended.
After the treatment has been carried out, the intensity of the pain can 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 has been treated in an advanced stage, then the pain may return for a while, but then it will gradually disappear anyway.
Features of exposure and benefits of shock wave therapy
Ultrasound treatment may have the following effect:
- start the process of resorption and decay of calcifications;
- improvement of blood circulation in the affected area;
- decrease in pain;
- Strengthening tendons and ligaments.
It makes sense to pay attention to the benefits that the treatment of calcaneal spurs has shock wave therapy. Patient reviews confirm the specific positive qualities of ultrasonic exposure:
- 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;
- there are no side effects;
- during treatment there is no pain;
- the whole procedure takes no more than 30 minutes.
When UVT may be contraindicated
Despite the fact that the use of ultrasound is not associated with potential damage to health, in some conditions this type of therapy is not recommended. It:
- intoxication;
- low blood pressure;
- pregnancy;
- violation of the heart rhythm;
- hypotension;
- malignant lesions localized in the affected area of the foot;
- it is forbidden to affect bone growth points in children under the age of 18;
- fragility of the vascular network;
- thrombophlebitis of veins (in the leg area);
- diseases of the nervous system;
- infectious diseases.
Calcaneal Spur: Medication
If we talk about the medical effect on this problem, then it is worth paying attention to certain groups of drugs that can have a tangible effect:
- Hormonal drugs. This category includes Betamethasone (Diprospan), Hydrocortisone, and Kenalog. As for "Hydrocortisone", in most cases it has the form of an ointment or gel. But Betamethasone is used as a local injection at most once a week. This medicine makes sense to use only in cases where you have to deal with a severe form of the disease. The essence of the action of Diprospan is to reduce the number of inflammatory mediators in the tissues. As part of a topic such as “Calcaneal 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. 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 drugs can be used in the form of local drugs, injections and tablets.
- Means having anti-inflammatory effect, applied by application to the skin. “Dimexide” falls into this category, which may take the form of concentrated liquid, ointment, suppositories and gel. The therapeutic effect of this medicine is due to its ability to quickly penetrate the soft tissues and deep layers of the skin. If you have to deal with liquid "Dimexide", then it is important to understand that you can not use it in a concentrated form. The solution must be diluted with water and only then applied to the affected area in the form of applications.
- Physiotherapeutic drug administration. The topic: “Calcaneal spur, symptoms and treatment, medications” implies the study of techniques such as laser therapy and the effects of vibroacoustics.
Vitafon is a worthy alternative
The most effective and, moreover, quick result can be achieved if vibroacoustic effects are used together with medicines using the Vitafon apparatus.
The patient will have access to 4 modes of action, each of which is oriented to a certain degree of severity of a disease such as a heel spur. Treatment with Vitafon has a number of tangible advantages, which are worth paying attention to:
- relieves the body of toxins and toxins;
- improves the condition of the immune system;
- normalizes lymphatic drainage and neutralizes edema;
- improves blood circulation and venous outflow in particular.
The essence of the effect of vibroacoustics boils down to causing the walls of the capillaries to contract, resulting in more active blood flow and the prevention of blood stasis. The vibroacoustic effect affects the deep tissues, which cannot be qualitatively affected by conventional massage. A noticeable reduction in pain occurs on average after 3-4 sessions.
At the same time, "Vitafon" has certain contraindications to its use. Pregnant women, as well as those who have artificial pacemakers installed, are not allowed to use vibroacoustics. This procedure is also irrelevant for patients who were diagnosed with a fever, the presence of malignant tumors and thrombophlebitis.
Laser spur treatment
This type of therapeutic effect, which is also called quantum treatment, is one of the most common and affordable. The laser has a number of significant advantages that are worth paying attention to:
- decongestant and bactericidal effect;
- low cost of treatment;
- analgesic effect;
- anti-inflammatory effect.
Laser treatment can be divided into three key stages. First, the patient undergoes daily treatment sessions for 10 days, after which there is a second stage of laser exposure to the spur, lasting 14 days. Repeating the first stage (10 days), but with certain changes, completes the therapy.
This method can be called one of the most effective in neutralizing such a problem as heel spur. Laser treatment (patient reviews confirm the safety of the technique) begins with the use of low exposure power, which subsequently increases. If one session does not bring the desired result, the doctor may prescribe several repetitions.
Despite the full 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 detected, it is better to choose a different type of therapy.
With a disease such as calcaneal spur, laser treatment (medical reviews confirm this) remains one of the most popular therapeutic methods.
X-ray exposure
Effective methods of exposure to the heel spur include treatment with x-ray radiation. The essence of the method is that concentrated rays are directed to the affected area of the heel. Moderate exposure to radiation leads to the blocking of nerve endings, as a result of which the pain disappears.
Medical treatment of heel spurs, which involves x-ray therapy, is designed for 10 sessions, each of which lasts no more than 10 minutes.
This technique has tangible advantages worthy of attention:
- radiation affects only the heel spur;
- there is always the possibility of outpatient treatment ;
- sufficiently high efficiency;
- X-rays have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects;
- contraindications are minimal;
- the procedure is absolutely painless.
Concerning 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 heel spurs, treatment with x-ray 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 have to use special orthopedic insoles or shoes, control weight and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Medical bile as a treatment for spurs
Given that there are contraindications to some therapeutic methods, you always need to have an alternative option for treating a problem such as calcaneal spur. Treatment with bile (patient reviews confirm its effectiveness) has sufficient potential to neutralize spurs on the heel. The value of this treatment is that it can be carried out independently at home. Medical bile itself is sold over the counter 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 strengthen the fixation, it is worth putting on a sock. To achieve complete neutralization of the spur, you need to repeat this procedure 20 times, preferably without interruption. 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 for bile reviews is extremely positive and not fraught with any side effects.
Other treatments
There are many means by which you can effectively act on the heel spur at home. Start with ointments that have proven their relevance:
- Indomethacin ointment. This anti-inflammatory drug can be easily purchased at the pharmacy. This ointment should be carefully rubbed into the affected heel three times a day. On average, a course of treatment lasts for two or three weeks without interruption.
- Hydrocortisone ointment. In order for this remedy to give the maximum effect, you must first steam the legs and only after that rub the ointment into the heel.
“Dolobene.” In this case, we are talking about a combination drug that has an anti-inflammatory effect. He is able to significantly improve metabolic processes in the tissues of the foot. In this case, you need to apply the gel with a thin layer and rub it thoroughly. The procedure is repeated 3-4 times a day. If there is a need to apply a gel in the form of a compress, then in order to avoid skin burns, you need to wait a few minutes for the alcohol to disappear.
- With a problem such as calcaneal spur, treatment with ointments implies the use of alternative recipes. Therefore, it makes sense to mention honey ointment. To prepare it, you will need 1 teaspoon of salt (fine grinding), 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 on a cotton pad, which is applied to the affected heel.
- Egg and cream ointment. As ingredients, you need to use half a glass of apple cider vinegar, 100 g butter and 1 raw egg. The oil melted in a water bath must be cooled and mixed with the egg. The shell should not be thrown away - it 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. In the process, you need to stir it. It is applied to the steamed heel, after which a compress is fixed on the foot for 30 minutes. Half an hour later, the ointment is washed off, a sock is put on the washed leg.
If calcaneal spur appears, salt treatment can also be a good way to get rid of pain. This is a bath, for the preparation of which a solution of soda and salt is used. A bath is prepared quite simply: a tablespoon of soda and the same amount of salt are diluted in 1 liter of water (hot). All this is thoroughly mixed until the components are completely dissolved. A bath is made from the resulting solution.
As you can see, there are many effective ways to influence the heel spur. 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 the heel spur in the home.