What Is A Heal Spur? A heel spurs refers to a hook of bone that can form on the heel bone (calcaneus) that forms thus causing inflammation to the soft tissue surrounding the area. As a result, the injury can result in having what is known as plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the connective tissue that helps provide stability throughout the arch.
How Does A Heel Spur Occur? The heel is an attachment site for ligaments involved in maintaining the foot's arch. Stress that is placed on the heel causes the body to react by calcifying the soft tissue attachments thus creating a heel spur.
What Are The Symptoms Of Heal Spurs? The condition causes pain under the heel that feels much like a consistent tooth ache located in your foot. If your foot is allowed a chance to rest the pain gradually abates. When you start walking again, the initial pain will return which somewhat improves once a sufficient warm-up has been achieved. Pain is typically localized at first and then starts to encompass more of the heel as time goes on.
How Are Heel Spurs Diagnosed? An evaluation by a physician will help to rule out heel spurs from other injuries. An x-ray typically will be ordered to see the severity and extent of the formation of the spur.
How Is It Treated? Rest, elevation and use of heat/ice can help provide temporary relief of pain from heel spurs. Often physical therapy is prescribed which includes using modalities to help relieve pain and inflammation like diathermy and ultrasound. Physicians will also suggest the use of orthotics or high quality insoles to help eliminate irritation under the heel. Surgery to remove the heel spur may be suggested after a thorough course of conservative care has been tried.
All material provided is designed for information purposes only and should not be used to replace the care of a health care professional. Do not rely on any of the information for diagnosis or treatment. It is recommended that you visit a qualified health care professional for individual and personal attention.
