From the Guidelines
Physical therapy is a recommended treatment option for heel spurs, as it can help reduce pain and inflammation while addressing the underlying causes of the condition. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, initial treatment options for heel pain, which can be caused by heel spurs, may include physical therapy 1. Physical therapy approaches for heel spurs typically involve stretching exercises targeting the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, performed several times daily, holding each stretch for 30 seconds. Strengthening exercises for foot and ankle muscles can also help provide better support.
Some key components of physical therapy for heel spurs include:
- Stretching exercises to reduce tension in the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon
- Strengthening exercises to support the foot and ankle
- Manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilizations, to improve foot mechanics
- The use of night splints to maintain a stretched position overnight
- Custom orthotics to correct biomechanical issues
- Activity modification to reduce stress on the heel
- Ice application for 15-20 minutes after activity to manage inflammation
It's worth noting that while the provided evidence does not specifically focus on the effectiveness of physical therapy for heel spurs, it does suggest that physical therapy can be a useful component of treatment for heel pain, which is often associated with heel spurs 1. By addressing the root causes of heel spurs, such as chronic plantar fasciitis, improper foot mechanics, or tight calf muscles, physical therapy can help patients see improvement within 6-8 weeks of consistent therapy, though complete resolution may take longer depending on severity.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Physical Therapy for Heel Spurs
There are no direct studies provided that specifically examine the effectiveness of physical therapy for treating heel spurs. However, some studies discuss treatment methods for heel spurs and related conditions like plantar fasciitis, which may involve physical therapy components.
Treatment Methods for Heel Spurs
- Rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and various types of shoe padding are common treatment methods for heel spur syndrome, as noted in 2.
- Mechanical control of heel spur pain through orthotics can be an effective treatment approach, as discussed in 3.
- Accurate diagnosis and consideration of differential diagnoses are crucial in planning a treatment protocol for heel spurs, according to 4.
Related Conditions and Treatments
- Plantar fasciitis, often associated with heel spurs, can be treated with a range of conservative therapies, including rest, ice massage, stretching, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), as mentioned in 5.
- Ultrasound and shock wave therapy have been compared for their analgesic efficacy in treating patients with inflammation of the attachment of the plantar fascia in the course of calcaneal spurs, with shock wave therapy showing greater analgesic efficacy, as found in 6.
Physical Therapy Components
While the provided studies do not directly address physical therapy for heel spurs, components of physical therapy, such as stretching and orthotics, are mentioned as part of treatment regimens for related conditions. Further research would be needed to determine the specific effectiveness of physical therapy for heel spurs.