What is a Heel Spur, and How Can I Fix It?
From the daily hustle to rigorous workouts, our feet endure a lot of pressure and strain, often leading to various discomforts and conditions. Among the most common issues affecting the feet, heel problems take centre stage, with Heel Spurs being a prevalent concern. Whether it’s sharp pain with each step or persistent discomfort, these conditions can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.
However, reaching out for heel spur treatment options is crucial for maintaining overall foot health and well-being.
What is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur also referred to as an Osteophyte, forms as a bony projection originating from the heel bone. In other words, a heel spur is a bony protrusion caused due to calcium deposition on the underside of the heel bone.
Its development is frequently triggered by persistent inflammation and tension on the plantar fascia ligament, linking the heel to the toes. The spur emerges as a result of calcium accumulation beneath the heel bone, commonly associated with burning pain in heel and inflammatory conditions. This heel condition forms gradually and often goes unnoticed until individuals seek assistance for heel discomfort. While surgery can remove heel spurs, healthcare professionals typically advise non-surgical approaches to alleviate symptoms linked to them.
What can cause Heel Spur?
Heel spurs are formed in response to strain and injury to the soft tissues attaching to the underside of the heel, specifically the insertion points of the plantar fascia fibres. When the plantar fascia, which connects to the underside of the heel bone, undergoes repetitive pulling and stress during movement, it leads to micro-trauma. In an attempt to repair the area, the body stimulates the formation of additional bone, resulting in the calcified protrusions known as heel spurs.
Various factors can exacerbate the pulling and stress on the heel bone from the plantar fascia, contributing to the development of heel spurs:
- Overuse of the fascia, often due to excessive training
- Wearing unsupportive or worn-out shoes that increase fascial stress
- Muscle imbalances and dysfunction leading to overuse injuries
- Inflexible and immobile feet unable to absorb shock adequately
- Excessive ankle and foot pronation, along with other biomechanical issues
- Leg length discrepancies
- Abnormalities such as bowed or knocked knees
- Irregular walking and running patterns that strain the heel bone and ligaments
Also, individuals who regularly wear high-heeled shoes may experience increased tension on the fascia, potentially leading to bone spur on achilles tendon.
What signs indicate a heel spur?
Any type of heel pain typically arises from inflammation in the soft tissues surrounding the heel spur. The spur forms due to fibrosis or the formation of scar tissue, with the inflammation in the soft tissues being the primary source of pain. The body’s attempt to heal the injured area often involves scar tissue formation, and if this process is unsuccessful, the body may produce calcium to aid in the healing process.
The most common indication of heel pain is discomfort directly beneath the heel, especially during standing, walking, or getting up after rest. This pain is often categorised as sharp and stabbing, particularly pronounced in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Occasionally, the pain may extend to other areas of the foot, such as the arch or ball.
Other symptoms of heel pain may include:
- Swelling or inflammation around the heel
- Redness or warmth in the affected area
- Difficulty moving the foot or ankle
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek appropriate treatment from a qualified podiatrist.
How can you fix a Heel Spur? - Treatment
For the majority of the patients, a heel spur is diagnosed through X-ray imaging. The treatment protocol for addressing a spur at the base of the heel aligns closely with that for plantar fasciitis.
This heel spur treatment plan may encompass:
- Custom-prescribed orthotics: These specially designed inserts help offload pressure from the injured plantar fascia and reduce stress on the bone where the spur resides.
- Laser therapy: Utilizing specific wavelengths of light, this treatment aims to decrease inflammation, promote faster cell repair, and expedite pain relief.
- Strengthening & stretching program: Tailored exercises focus on improving the flexibility and strength of your ankle and foot joints and muscles.
- Training program adaptation: We may recommend adjustments to your exercise routine to minimize strain on the back of your heel.
- Gait retraining: This involves addressing any biomechanical issues in your gait that might contribute to pain.
- Supportive footwear: Switching to shoes with good cushioning can provide significant comfort and support.
- Foot & ankle strapping: Temporary pain relief can be achieved through strategic taping techniques.
- Foot mobilization: Restoring optimal movement in your foot and ankle through specific mobilization techniques can aid in healing.
- Shockwave therapy: This non-invasive treatment utilizes sound waves to stimulate the healing process and accelerate recovery.
- Dry needling: Targeting trigger points in surrounding muscle tissues with dry needles can help alleviate tension and discomfort.
Managing heel pain typically entails employing a variety of treatment approaches. The good news is that surgical intervention is seldom necessary. During your consultation, our podiatrist will thoroughly assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate course of action to alleviate your pain, promote healing and avert the emergence of additional issues.
Are there any specific heel spur exercises to help improve the condition?
While specific exercises and stretches can aid in alleviating heel pain symptoms, they may not directly resolve heel spurs. Typical exercises for heel pain involve calf stretches, plantar fascia stretches, towel curls, and toe stretches.
Consulting our podiatrist Dr K P Meda well-versed in heel spurs and their causes, is essential. He can provide personalized exercise recommendations at the appropriate intensity and frequency. Proper technique and loading are crucial for the effectiveness of these exercises.
Can heel spurs go away on their own?
Heel spurs typically do not resolve on their own. However, they may not always cause symptoms and may remain overlooked.
In some cases, conservative treatments, as mentioned above, can help manage symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. However, for persistent or severe cases, medical intervention may be necessary, which could include corticosteroid injections or surgery. It’s essential to consult with a podiatric expert professional for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Experiencing constant heel pain?
Consult podiatrist Dr KP Meda for expert heel spur treatment
If you’re dealing with persistent heel pain, seeking professional help is crucial for effective treatment and relief. With expertise in heel spur treatment, podiatrist Dr KP Meda offers personalized care to address your specific needs. By accurately diagnosing the underlying cause of your heel pain, he can develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your condition.
Don’t let heel spurs disrupt your daily life any longer – schedule a consultation with Dr KP Meda today to take the first step towards lasting relief and improved mobility.
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