What is a heel spur? – Symptoms, Causes, Risk factors, and Treatment

A heel spur is a bonny growth inside your foot that protrudes out of the heel bone. The bone grows in between the heel and the arch of the foot called the plantar fascia. The outgrowth usually occurs on the underside of the foot.

These outgrowths are called calcaneal spurs or osteophytes. Heel spurs may have an appearance of hooked, shelf-like or pointed. Heel spurs can lead to inflammation and swelling. These can cause major discomfort.

The heel spur growth usually starts in the front and underneath your heel, and it can also affect other parts of your foot. The growth can be extended up to half an inch in length.

In most cases, people do not realise they have heel spurs until they experience pain in their heel. The heel spur can be treated with surgery and with a post-surgical care.

Symptoms of Heel spur

In most cases, heel spur occurs in an asymptomatic manner, and it can differ from one person to another. Some of the common symptoms are listed below.

Pain during walking and jogging

The extra growth of bone near the heel can lead to pain while a person is jogging and walking.

Heel spur causes a strain in the ligaments and foot muscles, especially for athletes.  

Irritation in the bottom of the feet

A heel spur can cause irritation when there is inflammation and pain when you walk or jog.

Inflammation

A heel spur can also lead to inflammation of the bottom of the foot. The inflammation can be caused when there is soft tissue damage or injury in the ligament.

Causes of Heel spur

A heel spur can be caused when there is a ligament or long-term muscle injury. The growth of bone happens over time, and they do not suddenly occur during walking or jogging.

The most common cause of heel spur is when you ignore the early symptoms, it can lead to pain and discomfort. The other causes are listed below.

Arthritis

Arthritis can cause damage to the bones and joints. It leads to the breakage of cartilage that provides cushion to the bones.  

At this point in time, the body tends to heal the broken bone, and there will be the development of spurs near the damaged area. This is one of the common causes of the heel spur.

Loosely fitted shoes

Shoes that do not fit properly lead to various foot problems like heel spur. If the shoes are loose or do not fit well and you use them for a long time, it can lead to a heel spur.

When the foot is exposed to continuous stress, it can lead to inflammation, swollen joints and pain in the legs. Heel spur progress over time and can lead to discomfort.

Bruising of the heel

Bruising of the heel can be caused when the heel is constantly exposed to stress, like walking on bare feet on pebbles. These bruises can damage the heel, which can lead to a heel spur.

Wearing flip flops

Flip-flop usage can cause heel spur. When compared to other footwear, your foot will have to work harder to hold the flip-flops. This can also be one of the causes of a heel spur.

How to diagnose heel spur?

The healthcare professional will first observe your foot physically to check for any injury or wounds. The doctor will also enquire about your day-to-day activities. This will help the doctor to identify the cause of the heel spur.

X-rays will also be required to diagnose the presence of heel spur. The x-rays can clearly capture the growth of bones. So, this type of diagnosis will be accurate when it comes to a heel spur.

What are the risk factors of a heel spur?

There are certain risk factors for developing heel spur conditions. There are certain factors that can lead to an increased risk of a heel spur.  

• Shoes that do not fit your feet properly can lead to an increased risk of a heel spur.

• If you think your legs and feet are subjected to long-term stress, rest for a while. Constant injury and stress can also lead to a heel spur.

• Do not walk on bear foot on hardwood and pebbles. These can lead to the development of heel spur.

• Excess body weight can also lead to a heel spur. So, keep a check on your body weight.

How to prevent heel spur?

A heel spur can be prevented with certain actions. Usage of appropriate footwear is important as it can have permanent effects on your foot.

When walking or jogging, use shoes that fit properly for your toes with supportive heal counters.

Use appropriate shoes depending on your physical activity. Gradual pacing is important when you perform any workout. This can have a certain effect on your feet.

At the same time, there are certain shoes that do not fit all. So be watchful about the shoes you select.  

Exercises to heal heel spur

There are simple exercises to ease and manage the pain caused due to heel spur.

• Foot flex- It is one of the simplest exercises that can be done when you wake up. It will help you to stretch your plantar fascia, which tightens when you sleep.

Strech your legs and then pull your toes back with the help of your hand and hold in this position for 30 seconds.  

• Calf stretch- This exercise will help to stretch your calves. Calf stretch exercise will help to alleviate the tension that exerts between your feet. This exercise will help improve mobility.

Try to stand on the ball of one of your feet at the edge of a step, and the heel should be hanging off the step.

Stay in this position for a few seconds and repeat it for another leg.

• Wall calf stretch- The wall calf stretch exercise will help you to stretch your calf muscles and heels.

Stand a few feet away from the wall with one foot in front of your other foot.

Bend one of your knees slightly and lean towards the wall. And place your weight on your bent knee.

Keep your other knee straight as you lift the heel off the ground and in this position for a few seconds.

Treatment of Heel spur

The treatment for heel spur will be rest and certain lifestyle changes. However, the doctor will decide on the treatment depending on the injury and other factors.

Cold compress

A cold compress will help to relieve the pain caused by heel spur temporarily. A cold compress or applying ice packs to the heel will help to numb the area and reduces swelling.

Heat packs will be effective when used for muscle and joint pains. For heel spur, a cold compress or ice packs are preferred.

Injection of anti-inflammatory medication

Anti-inflammatory medications will help to ease pain and reduce the inflammation caused in the heel area. These medications should be taken only with the advice of your doctor.

OTC pain medication

There are many over-the-counter medications available to reduce the pain and swelling caused by a heel spur. Some of the recommended medications are ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen.

Physical therapy exercises

Medications can only be taken for a short period of time, especially when it comes to anti-inflammatory medications. So physical therapy exercises can keep your pain under control.

A physical therapist will show how to perform these exercises at home. And then you can perform them daily. The physical therapist will also instruct you when these exercises should be performed.

Stretching exercises

Basic stretching exercises will help to relieve pain. These exercises can be performed with the help of your instructor. If you have any other conditions like arthritis, consult your doctor before carrying out these exercises.

Surgery

Surgery recommendations will be decided by your doctor. When there is severe pain and if the above treatments do not produce any fruitful results, surgery will be the only solution.

Surgery will reduce your pain and also increases mobility. The post-surgery recovery process will involve compression, supportive gear and giving proper rest for your foot.

When to see a doctor?

Consult your doctor if the pain does not settle after using over-the-counter medications and other alternative physical therapies. In most cases, the heel spur will not cause any significant pain. If there is pain, then you will require medical treatment.

Conclusion

A heel spur can be common, and it occurs when constant strain is exerted on your foot. Sometimes, ligament injury can also lead to a heel spur.

However, there can be other reasons for your heel pain. So, if you experience any significant pain in your feet or heel, consult your doctor.

Additionally, your footwear can be the major reason for heel spur. So, wear proper footwear that fits your feet properly. Use appropriate shoes for your physical activity.

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