Physical therapy for heel spurs in Tacoma, Washington State

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Meet with the best heel spurs physical therapists in Tacoma, Washington State

Tacoma, Washington State, Luna has physical therapists that specialize in treating patients with plantar fasciitis and/or heel spurs. With a focus on helping the patient return to the activities they love, our PTs design treatment plans that reduce pain, restore flexibility, improve muscle control, and help prevent re-injury.

Best of all, with Luna, patients can receive physical therapy for heel spurs wherever it’s most convenient — at home, at the gym, or even at work. Our physical therapists come to you — it’s physical therapy, delivered.

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What are heel spurs?

Heel spurs are bony, sometimes painful protrusions of calcium deposit on the underside of the heel bone which can extend forward by as much as one half inch. They’re frequently associated with plantar fasciitis or inflammation of the connective tissue that attaches the heel bone to the bottom of the foot. Both of these conditions are especially common in athletes who frequently run and jump.

Many patients describe the pain associated with heel spurs as feeling like a knife is sticking into the bottom of their foot. The pain is often most intense when the patient first stands up in the morning — it usually subsides to a dull ache throughout the day. Patients may find that the pain returns if they stand after sitting. On the other hand, some patients experience no pain associated with their heel spur, and may not even realize that they have one.

While some heel spurs may require surgery, more than 90 percent of patients rely on behavioural modifications and physical therapy alone to reduce pain and increase mobility.

Source: WebMD

Heel spur symptoms

Heel spurs can be difficult to identify and diagnose. Firstly, only about half of patients with heel spurs will also suffer from associated pain. Secondly, the condition can be difficult to distinguish from other causes of foot pain.

Heel spurs are typically only confirmed with X-rays or other medical tests. Patients must see an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist to know for sure whether their foot pain is caused by a heel spur or by another ailment.

The most common symptoms of heel spurs include:

  • Heel pain
  • Swelling
  • Inflammation

Source: Healthline

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What causes heel spurs?

Heel spurs develop gradually over time as long-term strain on the muscles and ligaments in the heel wears down the surrounding soft tissue. Patients who participate in activities that cause repeated stress on the heels tend to be at higher risk.

Heel spurs can also be caused by a number of other activities or pre-existing conditions that put stress on the heel. Poorly-fitted, worn-out, or unsupportive shoes can increase a patient’s risk of developing heel spurs, as can excess body weight or an irregular gait. Arthritis and plantar fasciitis can also contribute to heel spurs; more than half of all heel spur cases occur in patients with plantar fasciitis.

The most common causes of heel spurs include:

  • Repeated stress on the heel
  • Shoes that lack proper support
  • Excess body weight
  • Plantar fasciitis
Source: Healthline

Physical therapy for heel spurs in Tacoma, Washington State

More than 90 percent of patients with heel spurs do not require surgery and are able to see significant improvement with physical therapy alone. While physical therapy can’t eliminate heel spurs altogether, it can reduce inflammation that causes pain and impedes mobility.

An experienced physical therapist will likely combine stretching, taping, massage, and lower leg strengthening exercises to create a heel spur recovery plan that’s safe, effective, and designed to prevent re-injury. Typically, a heel spur physical therapy plan will first focus on pain relief, then flexibility, range of motion, and muscle control, and finally a return to normal activity.

Source: Physioworks
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Frequently asked questions

Where are Luna therapists seeing patients?

Our therapists are available for in-home physical therapy appointments across the Tacoma area. In all the neighborhoods we serve, we come to you to make the PT experience as convenient as possible.

Is physical therapy covered by insurance?

Our collaboration with multiple insurance plans streamlines the benefits verification process for your ease. With Luna, your co-pay will consistently match the precise amount specified by your insurance plan for visiting a PT clinic. We accept all major insurances and Medicare.

Is there a waiting list for new patients?

Not at all—we want to ensure that patients can easily kickstart their physical therapy with us! New patients are always welcome, and for most, their initial at-home physical therapy session can be scheduled within 48 hours of signing up. Our therapists are available from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm, seven days a week, ensuring flexibility for all our patients. Check Availability.

Who are Luna’s physical therapists?

Within Luna, our therapists are highly experienced practitioners, with a minimum of 3 years of professional practice, often with many more years of experience. Each therapist goes through a rigorous interview and background check process. We only engage with therapists who are wholeheartedly dedicated to delivering top-tier care to their patients.

We’ve got your back. Book a PT today.