How a Podiatrist Diagnoses and Treats Bone Spurs
- posted: Aug. 30, 2024
Bone spurs are bony growths that develop along the edges of bones, often where bones meet each other, such as in the joints. In the feet, bone spurs are commonly found in the heel, toes, and around the ankle. These growths can cause pain and discomfort, particularly when they press on nerves or rub against other tissues. Your podiatrists at Advanced Foot & Ankle Clinic in Owatonna, Faribault, and Waseca, MN, can explain how bone spurs are diagnosed and can be treated.
Dealing With Bone Spurs
When you visit a podiatrist with foot pain or discomfort, the first step is a thorough evaluation. Your podiatrist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any activities that may contribute to the pain. They will then perform a physical examination of your foot, checking for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.
Imaging tests are often used to confirm the presence of bone spurs. An X-ray is the most common diagnostic tool, allowing your podiatrist in Owatonna, Faribault, and Waseca, MN, to see bone spurs and assess their size and location. In some cases, an MRI or CT scan may be recommended if the spur affects soft tissues or if nerve compression is suspected.
Many bone spurs can be managed with conservative measures. Your podiatrist may recommend rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce inflammation. Custom orthotics or shoe inserts can help redistribute pressure and ease walking pain. Physical therapy exercises may also be prescribed to improve flexibility and strengthen the surrounding muscles. If pain and inflammation persist, your podiatrist may suggest corticosteroid injections. These can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation around the bone spur.
In cases where conservative treatments do not provide relief or if the bone spur is causing significant pain or mobility issues, surgery may be considered. The type of surgery will depend on the location of the spur and the structures involved.
Contact Our Podiatrist Today
Make sure you understand bone spurs. Contact your podiatrists at Advanced Foot & Ankle Clinic in Owatonna, Faribault, and Waseca, MN, to learn more about bone spurs and how they can be treated. You can schedule an appointment by calling our Owatonna office at (507) 451-5950, our Waseca office at (507) 835-1210, or our Faribault office at (507) 334-1951.
- posted: Aug. 30, 2024
Bone spurs are bony growths that develop along the edges of bones, often where bones meet each other, such as in the joints. In the feet, bone spurs are commonly found in the heel, toes, and around the ankle. These growths can cause pain and discomfort, particularly when they press on nerves or rub against other tissues. Your podiatrists at Advanced Foot & Ankle Clinic in Owatonna, Faribault, and Waseca, MN, can explain how bone spurs are diagnosed and can be treated.
Dealing With Bone Spurs
When you visit a podiatrist with foot pain or discomfort, the first step is a thorough evaluation. Your podiatrist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any activities that may contribute to the pain. They will then perform a physical examination of your foot, checking for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.
Imaging tests are often used to confirm the presence of bone spurs. An X-ray is the most common diagnostic tool, allowing your podiatrist in Owatonna, Faribault, and Waseca, MN, to see bone spurs and assess their size and location. In some cases, an MRI or CT scan may be recommended if the spur affects soft tissues or if nerve compression is suspected.
Many bone spurs can be managed with conservative measures. Your podiatrist may recommend rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce inflammation. Custom orthotics or shoe inserts can help redistribute pressure and ease walking pain. Physical therapy exercises may also be prescribed to improve flexibility and strengthen the surrounding muscles. If pain and inflammation persist, your podiatrist may suggest corticosteroid injections. These can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation around the bone spur.
In cases where conservative treatments do not provide relief or if the bone spur is causing significant pain or mobility issues, surgery may be considered. The type of surgery will depend on the location of the spur and the structures involved.
Contact Our Podiatrist Today
Make sure you understand bone spurs. Contact your podiatrists at Advanced Foot & Ankle Clinic in Owatonna, Faribault, and Waseca, MN, to learn more about bone spurs and how they can be treated. You can schedule an appointment by calling our Owatonna office at (507) 451-5950, our Waseca office at (507) 835-1210, or our Faribault office at (507) 334-1951.
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