Heel spurs are the most common cause of sole pain. It is generally seen more frequently in obese people and women whose weight is above average.
It occurs after inflammation and thickening of the fascia, which is a thick fibrous band that originates from the inner part of the heel and moves from the inner part of the foot to the toe. As a result of excessive irritation (stimulation) and repetitive stretching of the fascia, micro tears and strains occur at the adhesion site.
The patient has a typical course of heel pain, which starts with the first few steps in the morning, decreases during the day, and reappears at the end of the day. This painful condition tends to recur after sitting during the day. Pain intensifies after prolonged standing, long activities, exercises and running.
Diagnosis can usually be made by typical pain course and physical examination. Direct radiography, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) are the main imaging methods used. These examinations are mostly used to exclude other causes of heel pain.
Treatment Steps;
Medication and exercise: Generally, there is a significant relief in pain with anti-inflammatory drugs and stretching exercises. The use of silicone and/or rubber insoles produced for heel spurs is usually added to this treatment.
Heel injections: It is used in patients who cannot get results from medication and exercise treatment. Usually steroids or PRP are applied. In the studies conducted, they were found to be close to each other in terms of effectiveness. Apart from steroids and PRP, prolotherapy and ozone injections can also be performed. Stretching exercises are continued after these injections.
ESWT: It is a method that helps solve/remove inflammation in the painful area with the effect of sound waves.
Treatment with Radiofrequency: It relieves pain by desensitizing the nerve that receives the sensation of pain from the sole of the foot. It is the method that makes it disappear. In 90% of patients who receive radiofrequency, a single session is sufficient. In patients for whom a single session is not sufficient, the procedure can be repeated after 2 weeks.
Surgical Treatment: It is very rarely required. It is applied to patients who do not benefit from any of the methods listed above. It consists of loosening the thickened and taut band.
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