1. Spurs Aren't Just for Horses
A heel spur isn't just one of those fancy things that you see on horses when they're all dressed up; it's actually a sign of foot problems. A heel spur occurs when you have a condition known as plantar fasciitis. In fact, about 7 in 10 people with plantar fasciitis have heel spurs. The plantar fascia is a piece of connective tissue that runs from the bone of your heel to the ball of your foot. When it becomes inflamed or worn out, it can separate from the bone of the foot. Small amounts of bleeding may occur at this site and it hardens and forms a heel spur. You can see a heel spur on an x-ray.
2. They Call it Heel Hell
Plantar fasciitis is very painful. People with plantar fasciitis feel intense pain in their heel, especially first thing in the morning. In fact, some podiatrists and patients refer to the condition as "heel hell."
3. Take Some Action
Luckily, you can get your feet back in shape if you have plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. The first step is to visit a foot doctor for a proper diagnosis. Generally, podiatrists begin by telling you to rest your foot, apply ice to it and take an anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen. If you feel intense pain in the morning, wear a splint on your foot at night so it stays flat. This will help you to wake up in less pain.
4. Consider ESWT or Surgery
If the plantar fasciitis doesn't get better, your doctor will give you cortisone shots to help reduce the inflammation. If these don't help, look into extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT, which uses energy pulses to help the plantar fascia heal. Although it is often effective, ESWT is expensive and generally not covered by insurance. Some podiatrists also perform a plantar fascia release, a surgical procedure that loosens the plantar fascia.
5. Care For Your Feet
There's a lot you can do to treat a mild case of plantar fasciitis or to prevent one from occurring. Wear shoes with good arch support. If you need extra support, get some orthotics. Stretch before and after exercise, paying close attention to your Achilles tendons and your hamstring muscles. And if your feet hurt, stop what you're doing and take a rest. Remember that our feet bear our body's weight every day without complaining, but sometimes they need a rest.
