Heel spur – medication treatment

Heel spur – an inflammatory-degenerative disease, manifested by the formation on the back of the calcaneus of an overgrowth of calcium salts, which has the shape of a wedge or spike. By exerting pressure on soft tissues, the growth causes swelling and severe pain, especially during exercise or after a long break in movement. In most cases, pathology is diagnosed in women, and its main causes are: overweight, flat feet, wearing uncomfortable shoes, injuries, etc.

Treatment of heel spurs with medicines

There are many methods for treating heel spurs, including surgery, physiotherapy, massage, therapeutic exercises, and medication. Most often, an integrated approach is used using several methods. Drug therapy for this pathology is aimed at removing the inflammatory process and pain relief, i.e. elimination of symptoms of pathology.

How and with what to treat a heel spur, in what form to use medications, is determined by the attending physician – a surgeon or an orthopedist, after conducting the necessary examinations (X-ray, biochemical tests). As a rule, in many cases, it is possible to get rid of unpleasant symptoms thanks to external topical drugs. In more severe, advanced cases, doctors resort to the injection method of administering medications into the heel joint. Such injections can only be carried out by qualified specialists who must accurately determine the dosage of the drug, the depth and accuracy of its administration.

Home remedies for heel spurs

Having carried out diagnostic measures and received a doctor’s prescription, the treatment of the disease can be carried out at home. The main medications for the treatment of heel spurs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of ointments, creams or gels. These include such medicines:

• Butadion;
• Indomethacin ointment;
• Diclofenac;
• Voltaren;
• Piroxecam;
• ibuprofen;
• Flexen, etc.

Typically, the course of treatment with such local preparations is about 14 days. Means are applied to the affected area 2-3 times a day. In order to achieve better penetration of the drug, to enhance its effect, a ten-minute hot foot bath should be done before rubbing it. After that, the skin must be thoroughly dried and the drug should be applied with massaging movements. Next, it is advisable to wear warm socks on your feet.

Other topical medications that may be prescribed for heel spurs are hormonal agents. Most often, patients are prescribed an ointment based on hydrocortisone, which is rubbed into the affected areas twice a day for no more than two weeks. By acting on the vessels, hydrocortisone ointment quickly relieves swelling and pain.

Also at home, special patches designed to treat heel spurs can be used. The inner surface of the patches is impregnated with warming substances, plant extracts that have anti-edematous and analgesic effects. The patch is glued to the sore spot for a day, after which it is replaced with a new one. The course of treatment is 10-12 days.

Recommendations for the treatment of heel spurs

In addition to the use of medications, when treating a heel spur, it is important to adhere to other recommendations that will help to quickly eliminate discomfort and prevent further development of the disease. Here are the main ones:

1. If there is a problem of excess weight, you need to try to get rid of it.
2. Special orthopedic shoes or insoles should be worn.
3. It is required to avoid excessive physical exertion on the legs.