Specifically What Is A Heel Spur?
A heel spur is a bony growth usually found under the heel bone or calcaneus bone. The heel bone (calcaneus) is the largest bone in the foot and takes on a major part in consuming shock and pressure when we walk. It will bring on extreme heel pain while walking, standing or due to a sudden process such as jumping. When you place your weight on your heel, the pain from a heel spur can be incredible.
How Do Heel Spurs Cultivate?
The plantar tendon is a fiber music group that acts as a support platform to the arch. It goes from the heel towards the ball-of-the-foot area. When foot alignment is adverse, this muscle in many instances pulls the place it attaches to the heel bone resulting in micro-tears. When this happens, calcium deposits form and provoke a nail-like growth. They formulate from the bone and press in to the fleshy location of the foot. Individuals who have high arches or flat feet are certainly more prone to developing heel spurs. This is due to the overpronation or oversupination that often occurs due to the poor biomechanical form the feet commonly take with these situations. Women may be more likely than men to grow a heel spur due to their choice of footwear.
What Is Considered The Most Effective Way To Deal With Heel Spurs
Temporary treatment for relief of pain from heel spurs include elevating the foot, rest and applying ice to reduce inflammation. These treatments however are only temporary and do not offer a long term solution. If flat feet or high arches are causing the development of a heel spur your physician may prescribe heel pads or heel cups that will help to distribute your weight more evenly upon impact and can cushion your heel to help reduce the pain you are experiencing. Heel cups or pads can be added to orthotic insoles (arch supports) to take pressure away from the problem area as well. For added relief, heel pads or heel cups may be used. Your doctor may recommend shedding any extra pounds you are carrying and choosing appropriate footwear. When searching for shoes, make sure you select a pair that has a cushioned sole to help absorb shock, but is stable enough to be supportive and help foot alignment control.
If these methods do not provide relief, an injection of cortisone can help decrease the inflammation of the plantar fascia, or surgery to remove it is sometimes performed. However, many problems can occur with these methods, so they are used as a last resort. More conservative methods like heel pads or heel cups are the treatment of choice. A newer treatment that is sometimes helpful is called extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). It induces micro trauma to the tissue around the problem area. This is done hoping to stimulate a tissue repair process by the body’s natural defenses. With the more aggressive forms of heel spur treatment like surgery, injections, or ESWT it is very important that any biomechanical problems that could cause the heel spur to come back are treated with heel pads or heel cups.
