Heel Bone Spurs: Common Symptoms
Heel bone spurs are nail-like growths that form around the ligaments and tendons of the foot where they attach to the heel bone. Common symptoms of a heel spur are intense pain in the heel on rising and aching in the foot that does not go away. These boney growths can dig into the inflamed flesh of the foot, causing pain. At the onset, the pain can be very sharp and will be present upon standing. As time passes, the sharp pain will become a dull aching feeling, but this can become a constant source of irritation for the patient. Heel spurs cause pain by poking at flesh that has become very inflamed and irritated, a condition known as plantar fasciitis.
What Leads to Heel Bone Spurs
The main cause of heel spurs is when the the thick connective tissue that connects the toes to the heel, called the Plantar Fascia becomes inflamed. This abnormal stress on the heel causes calcification of the soft tissue in the foot, producing plantar fasciitis. Factors that can lead to this condition include abnormal stress, excessive weight, age or poor foot function. When the tissue becomes tight, it is torn over and over by the repeated use of the foot. As the tissue becomes inflamed, it results in heel spurs.
How to Identify and Relieve Heel Bone Spurs
A foot x-ray is the only way to properly diagnose this condition. With an x-ray, your doctor can confirm that a heel spur has developed. Treatments vary from elevating the foot to much more serious solutions like foot surgery. Many people are able to lessen inflammation by applying gentle heat to the heel. By increasing the circulation, the blood vessels dilate and the pain lessens. Many people discover that simply wearing orthotics can provide significant relief. These devices provide additional arch support and can help correct over-pronation. By reducing the stress on the Plantar Fascia, the tissues in the foot are allowed to heal properly. Many orthotics come with additional heel pads that act as shock absorbers for the heel which help to immediately relieve the pain. Also, diathermy is a form of physical therapy that can reduce inflammation. This process makes use of an electrical current to produce heat that will ease plantar fasciitis.
Preventing Heel Bone Spurs With Plantar Fasciitis
One way to help prevent heel spurs is stretch the foot and calf before strenuous exercise. By stretching these tissues, you create more flexibility which reduces the likelihood of plantar fasciitis. Also, it is very important to wear shoes that fit properly and provide ample arch support and cushioning to the foot. Adding orthotics to any shoe can help alleviate strain on the Plantar Fascia that could cause heel spurs. Paying attention to our feet is a very important step in staying healthy. Healthy feet are a significant component to our well-being.