Skating may lead to a variety of injuries, such as ankle calcifications, heel spurs and tendinitis. A heel spur, also known as a bone spur, is a bony projection that forms at the edge of bone. Heel spurs themselves cause no pain, but pain can occur if the spurs rub against bones or nerves. Any bone can be affected, but skaters see them most often on their heels.
Development
Skaters who spend a lot of time in their skates are restricted by the skates stiffness, risking the development of heel spurs. A condition called plantar fasciitis may also lead to the development of heel spurs. This condition may affect anyone who participates in activities where the inside of the foot often is bearing weight. It occurs when the thick fibrous tissue that works to support the foot arch becomes inflamed.
Signs and Symptoms
The majority of bone spurs do not cause any symptoms. Many people do not even know they have one until it is discovered by an x-ray for a different condition. When symptoms do occur, they may involve loss of joint motion or pain in your joints. The heel spur may cause a lump that you can feel.
Treatment
If you are not experiencing any symptoms or discomfort, you may not have to be treated. If you are experiencing pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended by your doctor to help alleviate the pain. If a heel spur is preventing you from completing daily tasks or is limiting your range of motion, surgery may be necessary. The surgery may be done in an open fashion where the surgeon cuts the tissues around the heel. Or, arthroscopic surgery may be done, in which the surgeon inserts special surgical tools through several small incisions.
Prevention
Skaters can take steps to prevent heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Make sure skates and shoes fit well and have rigid shanks, shock-absorbing soles and a little extra padding in the skates' heel. Pacing yourself when skating, losing weight if necessary, thoroughly warming up before exercise or sports and not going barefoot also are beneficial.
