Silipos Achilles Heel Guard

Heel pain is a common complaint among my patients. Usually, the pain is on the bottom of the heel. Some patients, however, develop pain on the back of the heel. This is usually caused by a bone spur that forms. When shoes are worn, the heel of the shoe will rub against this bone spur, causing irritation and inflammation, and eventually, pain. There are several options in regard to treating this condition. First, shoes can be worn that do not have a heel counter in the back. This often is very effective in relieving the symptoms. Secondly, a heel lift can be worn which will decrease the pull of the achilles tendon on the heel bone. This decreases irritation to the area. Anti-inflammatory medications can be taken as needed, and icing the area intermittently is also helpful. Another option is the product that I am reviewing today. The Silipos Achilles Heel Guard is like a sock without toes. Around the heel, it is padded with a gel material which decreases pressure from shoes on the back of the heel. Many of my patients have used this product with great success, and often are able with the use of this product to delay or avoid surgery to remove the bone spur. The device is reusable, and can be hand-washed. For my patients with this kind of a heel spur, this is one of the first things that I recommend. If all else fails, surgery can be performed to remove the heel spur.

For those interested, it can be purchased online at: http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/quist/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=263&DEPARTMENT_ID=139