THE RESULTS OF NON-INVASIVE CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF HEEL PAIN AND THE ROLE OF SUBCALCANEAL SPUR IN HEEL PAIN

Abstract

Purpose: In this study, we aimed at investigating the effectiveness of non-invasive conservative methods used in the treatment of heel pain and the role of subcalcaneal spur on the progress of heel pain.
Patients and methods: 50 of the 182 patients with defined features who attended the Orthopaedics outpatient clinic with heel pain over a 3 year period, were treated with combined methods such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) + contrast baths + stretching exercises + changing of footwear habits. A one year follow-up was established. The criteria identified by Wolgin et al. were used in the assessment of the results of the treatment.
Results: At the end of the 1-year follow-up, results showed 35 (70%) patients as “good”, 12 (24%) as “fair” and 3 (6%) as “poor”. There was recurrence in 4 (8%) patients. It was found that the rate of “good” results was higher in several groups of patient; those younger than 40 years of age, males, those who were of normal weight, those with symptoms lasting for less than 12 months before treatment, those with unilateral involvement, those with subcalcaneal spurs smaller than 5 mm. and those with scintigraphically proven plantar fasciitis. The most important result found in the study was that the “good” results decreased and recovery time was prolonged as the spur length grew longer.
Conclusion: At the end of the study it was found that using non-invasive conservative methods with good timing and for a sufficient period was effective in the treatment of heel pain. Also, it was shown that subcalcaneal spurs have an important role in the etiology and progress of heel pain.