THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PHYSIOTHERAPIST IN THE TREATMENT OF HEEL SPUR

Abstract

Calcification around the calcaneus, the largest bone in the foot, is named calcaneal spur, which results from chronic inflammation at the bottom of the heel. The calcaneal spur resembles a rooster spur. Patients with this bony bulge complain of heel pain felt upon waking or walking. Men who practice sports, especially runners, and premenopausal or obese women are more susceptible to spurs. The diagnosis of calcification is performed by radiography and, in its prevention and treatment, the physical therapist plays an important role. In addition, orthopedic shoes or insoles are effective in decreasing the impact on the heel. As treatment we can point out: stretching, joint mobilization, eccentric contraction, myofascial release, ultrasound, low-intensity infrared laser, acupuncture and cryotherapy. The sooner the treatment is done, the better the patient's prognosis. On the other hand, the delayed search for physical therapy tends to cause a lower quality of life, requiring, in some cases, surgical treatment.