HEEL-SPUR REMOVAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of a heel spur.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Bottom of the heel bone.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Relief of pain.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH--None expected.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--General surgeon, orthopedist or podiatrist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Outpatient surgical facility or doctor's office.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of both feet.
• After surgery: Blood studies; laboratory examination of removed tissue.

ANESTHESIA

• Local anesthesia by injection.
• Spinal anesthesia by injection.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made over the spur.
• The spur is cut free and removed with special instruments.
• The skin is closed with sutures, which usually can be removed about 10 to 14 days after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--Usually none.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 6 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• If the wound bleeds during the first 24 hours after surgery, press a clean tissue or cloth to it for 10 minutes.
• A hard ridge should form along the incision. As it heals, the ridge will recede gradually.
• Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve incisional pain.
• Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the incision gently with mild unscented soap.
• Use crutches or a cane to walk until your doctor determines that healing is complete.
• Between baths, keep wound dry with a bandage for the first 2 or 3 days after surgery. If a bandage gets wet, change it promptly.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 3 months after surgery.
• Resume driving 1 week after returning home.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.