According to The Plantar Fasciitis Organization, heel pain affects nearly 2 million Americans every year, with the most common complaint being heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. A heel spur is a bony fragment that grows from the calcaneus (heel bone) and extends into the sensitive fascia tissue that spans across the bottom of your foot. The causes vary and can develop independently or as a result of other conditions or diseases. A heel spur is usually treated with conservative methods including rest and ice.
Identification
Pain beneath the heel bone is the first indication that you may have a heel spur. The actual bony protrusion, the calcium deposit, shows up as a hooked growth that extends from the heel bone and points toward the big toe. Most likely you will discover you have a heel spur after an X-ray is prescribed by your physician. Heel spurs vary in size and can cause pain with every movement, which may be more pronounced first thing in the morning and increase later in the day with more activity.
Causes
Heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot and attaches the heel bone to the toes. According to Mayo Clinic.com, chronic inflammation and irritation to this connective tissue can result in the formation of a heel spur. Heel spurs are also common in athletes who participate in repetitive sports which involve jumping, dancing or running. Heel spurs may also form as a result of aging, osteoarthritis side effects or poor biomechanics when walking.
Prevention/Solution
Plantar-fasciitis.org suggests that in order to prevent occurrence of heel spurs and the associated painful inflammation of plantar fasciitis, one of the most helpful things you can do is maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight places additional stress on the fascia, which can lead to chronic pain. Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces. Regularly replace old shoes before they are worn out, especially your running or exercise shoes. Make sure your shoes fit well and are properly cushioned, and regularly stretch your calf muscles and feet to maintain flexibility.
Treatment
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends the same treatment for heel spurs as for plantar fasciitis, beginning with rest until the pain subsides. Other conservative treatments methods include applying ice to the area, taking ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation. Your physician or physical therapist may also recommend specific exercises or stretches. In addition to rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medication, orthotic shoe inserts may be used to support the heel and help evenly distribute the weight of the foot.
Expert Insight
Dr. Edward R. Laskowski, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with the Mayo Clinic, clarifies that not all heel spurs cause pain and sometimes they are only found on X-rays for some other health issue. In addition, Dr. Laskowski states that in the past surgery was often used to remove a heel spur, believing that the protrusion was the source of the pain that accompanies plantar fasciitis. However, currently doctors tend to prescribe more conservative treatments such as physical therapy, orthotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
