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Heel Spurs Center - Hilo, HI

Hilo Orthopedic Surgeon Doctors for Heel Spurs

Type of Physician: Orthopedic Surgeon

What is a Orthopedic Surgeon ?

A certification by the Board of Orthopaedic Surgery; practitioners focus on the investigation, preservation and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine and associated structures by medical, surgical and physical means. Birth defects, trauma, infections, tumors and metabolic disturbances of the musculoskeletal system are problems cared for by the orthopaedic surgeon.

Specialty: Orthopaedic Surgery

Common Name: Orthopedist

Orthopedic Surgeon Doctors in Hilo *

Hawaii Orthopaedics
Edward Gutteling
45 Mohouli St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-2609

Robert D Irvine MD
Robert D Irvine
670 Ponahawai St
STE 115
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-5465

Drs Peter Matsuura
Peter A Matsura
670 Ponahawai St
STE 214
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-2841

Barry Blum MD
Barry Blum
79-7540 H Mamalahoa Hwy
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 322-6004

Hilo, Hawaii

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Heel Spurs

What is a heel spur? What are symptoms of a heel spur?

A heel spur is a pointed bony outgrowth of the bone of the heel (the calcaneus bone). They are attributed to local inflammation at the insertion of soft tissue tendons or fascia in the area. Heel spurs can be located at the back of the heel or under the heel, beneath the sole of the foot. Heel spurs at the back of the heel are frequently associated with inflammation of the Achilles tendon (tendinitis) and cause tenderness and pain at the back of the heel made worse while pushing off the ball of the foot.

How do heel spurs relate to plantar fasciitis? What causes heel spurs and plantar fasciitis?

Heel spurs under the sole of the foot (plantar area) are associated with inflammation of the plantar fascia (fasciitis), the "bowstring-like" tissue stretching underneath the sole that attaches at the heel. Plantar heel spurs cause localized tenderness and pain made worse when stepping down on the heel.

Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis can occur alone or be related to underlying diseases that cause arthritis (inflammation of the joints), such as reactive arthritis (formerly called Reiter's disease), ankylosing spondylitis, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. It is important to note that heel spurs may cause no symptoms at all and may be incidentally discovered during x-ray exams taken for other purposes.

How are heel spurs and plantar fasciitis treated?

Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are treated by measures that decrease the associated inflammation and avoid reinjury. Local ice applications both reduce pain and inflammation. Antiinflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or injections of cortisone are often helpful. Orthotic devices or shoe inserts are used to take pressure off plantar spurs (donut-shaped insert) and heel lifts can reduce stress ...

Recommended Reading Related to Heel Spurs

Reactive Arthritis »

What is reactive arthritis?

Reactive arthritis is a chronic form of arthritis featuring the following three conditions: (1) inflamed joints, (2) inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis), and (3) inflammation of the genital, urinary, or gastrointestinal systems.

This form of joint inflammation is called "reactive arthritis" because it is felt to involve an immune system that is "reacting" to the presence of bacterial infections in the genital, urinary, or gastrointestinal systems. Accordingly, certain people's immune systems are genetically primed to react aberrantly when these areas are exposed to certain bacteria. The aberrant reaction of the immune system leads to spontaneous inflammation in the joints and eyes. This can be confounding to the patient and the doctor when the infection has long passed at the time of presentation with arthritis or eye inflammation.

Reactive arthritis has, in the past, been referred to as Reiter syndr...

Emergency Contact for Hilo

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Hilo Hospitals *

Hilo Medical Center
1190 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808)974-4700

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