Discussion on foot and heel pain, including bone spurs, and the effectiveness of laser therapy. Exploring the relationship between heel spurs and foot pain, and the impact on the way people walk. Results of a study on laser therapy for foot pain, showing improved walking for patients who received laser therapy. Insights on treatment plans and the effectiveness of laser therapy.
Heel spurs can be caused by micro traumas, deformities, and chronic damage in the foot, and their presence may not always indicate a problem if there is no pain.
Laser therapy offers advantages in managing painful heel spurs by utilizing its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms, and potentially enhancing functional recovery.
Deep dives
Understanding Heel Spurs and Bone Spur Formation
Heel spurs, which are calcium deposits on the bottom of the heel, can be caused by recurrent micro traumas and chronic damage in the foot muscles and plantar aponeurosis. Deformities in the foot, obesity, and extreme sporting exercises can also contribute to the development of heel spurs. The body calcifies the affected area to make it stronger, but this can lead to chronic inflammation and pain. However, not all heel spurs are painful, and their presence does not necessarily indicate a problem if there is no pain. X-rays can determine whether a bone spur is present and causing pain.
The Benefits of High Intensity Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can help manage painful heel spurs by utilizing its anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, and analgesic properties. High intensity laser therapy, in particular, offers advantages such as deep tissue penetration and the ability to treat structures deep within the foot. The therapy stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms without the need for invasive procedures. However, it is important to note that significant improvement may require more than the short duration and frequency of the treatments used in the study, so a more extended and tailored care plan may be needed.
Study Findings on Laser Therapy for Heel Spurs
A study comparing laser therapy alongside exercise to sham laser treatment with exercise found that both groups experienced some improvement in pain, but there was no significant difference between them. However, the group receiving laser therapy showed more normalized foot pressure measurements, indicating improved walking mechanics compared to the placebo group. The findings suggest that laser therapy may enhance functional recovery, even if pain reduction is not immediately apparent. Further research with longer-term follow-up could provide additional insights into the effectiveness of laser therapy for heel spurs.
On this week's episode of Healing at the Speed of Light Podcast, Dr. Rountree discusses research about foot and heel pain, including bone spurs, and how laser therapy can help with this painful condition.
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