Heel Spur Removal

What is Heel Spur Surgery?

A heel spur is a small bony growth that develops on the heel bone. It often occurs due to long-term strain on the plantar fascia, a strong ligament running along the bottom of the foot that supports the arch.

When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, the condition is known as plantar fasciitis. Continuous pulling of this ligament on the heel bone can sometimes lead to the formation of a heel spur.

Most cases of plantar fasciitis improve with rest, physiotherapy, and supportive footwear. However, when pain becomes severe and persistent, heel spur surgery may be recommended.

Common surgical techniques include:

• Open surgery – a traditional procedure to remove the heel spur through a small incision
• Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy – a minimally invasive technique using small incisions and a camera
• Percutaneous surgery – small puncture incisions to remove or reduce the spur
• Arthroscopic-assisted surgery – using a camera to treat the spur and surrounding tissues

The choice of procedure depends on the severity of the condition and the surgeon’s recommendation.

Causes

Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are usually caused by repetitive stress on the plantar fascia.

Common causes include:

• Overuse from walking, running, or standing for long periods
• Tight calf muscles
• Poor foot biomechanics or flat feet
• Inadequate footwear
• Sudden increase in physical activity
• Excess body weight placing strain on the foot

These factors place repeated tension on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and sometimes heel spur formation.

Symptoms

Symptoms that may indicate plantar fasciitis or a heel spur include:

• Sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning
• Pain after long periods of standing or walking
• Tenderness under the heel
• Stiffness in the foot arch
• Pain that improves slightly with movement but returns after activity

When symptoms persist despite treatment, surgery may be considered.

What Should I Do?

If you are experiencing persistent heel pain, it is important to seek professional assessment.

Initial treatment usually includes:

• Rest and activity modification
• Stretching exercises
• Ice therapy
• Supportive footwear or orthotics
• Physiotherapy rehabilitation

If these treatments fail to relieve symptoms, your doctor may recommend heel spur surgery.

Physiotherapy Treatment

Physiotherapy Before Heel Spur Surgery

Before considering surgery, physiotherapy aims to reduce pain and improve foot function.

At ACE Physio Sports, treatment may include:

• Calf stretching exercises to reduce tension on the plantar fascia
• Plantar fascia stretches to improve flexibility in the foot
• Towel scrunch exercises to strengthen foot muscles
• Marble pickups to improve toe and foot strength
• Heel raises to strengthen the calf and support the arch
• Foot rolling exercises using a tennis ball or foam roller to release tension

These treatments often reduce symptoms and may help avoid surgery.

Physiotherapy After Heel Spur Surgery

0–1 Week After Surgery

• Rest and keep the foot elevated
• Ice therapy to reduce swelling
• Limited walking for short distances only
• Gentle exercises for hips and knees to maintain mobility

1–2 Weeks After Surgery

• Gradual return to light walking
• Gentle ankle and foot mobility exercises
• Scar management techniques such as gentle massage

2–3 Weeks After Surgery

• Improvement in walking pattern
• Reduced pain and swelling
• Return to supportive footwear
• Resuming orthotics if previously prescribed

3 Weeks and Beyond

• Strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle
• Training for everyday activities such as climbing stairs
• Balance and stability exercises
• Gradual return to normal activity and exercise

Physiotherapy ensures a safe and structured recovery process.

What Shouldn’t I Do?

After heel spur surgery, it is important to avoid activities that may delay healing.

Avoid:

• Walking long distances too early
• High-impact activities such as running or jumping
• Wearing unsupportive footwear
• Ignoring persistent pain or swelling
• Returning to sports without medical guidance

Following physiotherapy advice helps prevent complications and promotes recovery.

Long-Term Effects or Recovery

Most people recover well after heel spur surgery with the help of physiotherapy.

With proper rehabilitation, patients can expect:

• Reduced heel pain
• Improved foot strength and flexibility
• Better walking mechanics
• Reduced risk of plantar fasciitis returning
• Return to normal daily activities and exercise

Recovery time varies but typically improves significantly within several weeks to a few months.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports, we provide specialised physiotherapy programs for plantar fasciitis and heel spur surgery rehabilitation.

Our treatment approach includes:

• Detailed foot and gait assessment
• Personalised rehabilitation programs
• Pre-surgery and post-surgery physiotherapy care
• Strengthening and mobility training
• Return-to-activity and sports rehabilitation
• Education on footwear and orthotic support

Our goal is to help patients recover safely, restore foot function, and return to pain-free movement.

Book Appointment

If you are experiencing heel pain or recovering from heel spur surgery, our physiotherapists at ACE Physio Sports can help.

Website https://acephysiosport.com

Phone +65 81535374

Email admin@acephysiosport.com

Book your physiotherapy appointment today and start your heel spur recovery program.