Heel Spur
What is a Heel Spur?
Heel spurs occur when a spiky growth starts to develop from the heel bone, increasing in size as in grows inside of the foot, towards the toes. Heel spurs are caused by calcium deposits forming spikes inside the foot that sometime reach 1/2 inch long. They often arise as a result of stress being placed on the ligaments of the foot. Imagine having a sharp pointed object literally growing inside of your foot.... yep, it can be very painful! Apparently it is estimated that one in ten people have a heel spur although only around 5% complain of pain. Like we've mentioned before, your feet work hard and it makes sense that wear and tear has impact over time. This can present itself in a number of different ways.
Symptoms of having a Heel Spur include:
1. A sharp, 'knifing' like pain, as you wake and take your first step in the morning
2. Aching throughout the heel all day
3. Inflammation and heat experienced in and around the heel
4. A small spikey protrusion under the heel (often there is no external protrusion however)
Differences between Plantar Fasciitis and pain caused a Heel Spur
Plantar fasciitis is often caused by a tight or strained plantar fascia ligament that runs from your toes to your heel. This can cause pain in the heel area, especially upon waking
A heel spur is bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone caused by an increase in calcium deposits. Heel spurs can also cause pain in the heel
However... these two conditions can also be interlinked.
A Heel spur can also occur BECAUSE of Plantar Fasciitis. The damage to the Plantar Fascia that causes inflammation (and pain) can trigger the formation of a heel spur. The body sometimes responds to stress (for example ligament damage that leads to plantar fasciitis) by creating a barrier out of bone which in this case, would be the formation over time, of a heel spur.
Heel spurs cannot be cured, but if you are experiencing pain, there are steps you can take to reduce this discomfort.
1. Rest
2. Ice/ Cold packs on the site of inflammation
3. Stretches and exercises and/ or regular physical therapy
4. Over the counter anti inflammatory medications
5. Cortisone Injections to reduce inflammation at the site of pain
There are various surgical options that are available to reduce the bony protrusions if you are not experiencing relief through other methods.
Heel spurs occur when a spiky growth starts to develop from the heel bone, increasing in size as in grows inside of the foot, towards the toes. Heel spurs are caused by calcium deposits forming spikes inside the foot that sometime reach 1/2 inch long. They often arise as a result of stress being placed on the ligaments of the foot. Imagine having a sharp pointed object literally growing inside of your foot.... yep, it can be very painful! Apparently it is estimated that one in ten people have a heel spur although only around 5% complain of pain. Like we've mentioned before, your feet work hard and it makes sense that wear and tear has impact over time. This can present itself in a number of different ways.
Symptoms of having a Heel Spur include:
1. A sharp, 'knifing' like pain, as you wake and take your first step in the morning
2. Aching throughout the heel all day
3. Inflammation and heat experienced in and around the heel
4. A small spikey protrusion under the heel (often there is no external protrusion however)
Differences between Plantar Fasciitis and pain caused a Heel Spur
Plantar fasciitis is often caused by a tight or strained plantar fascia ligament that runs from your toes to your heel. This can cause pain in the heel area, especially upon waking
A heel spur is bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone caused by an increase in calcium deposits. Heel spurs can also cause pain in the heel
However... these two conditions can also be interlinked.
A Heel spur can also occur BECAUSE of Plantar Fasciitis. The damage to the Plantar Fascia that causes inflammation (and pain) can trigger the formation of a heel spur. The body sometimes responds to stress (for example ligament damage that leads to plantar fasciitis) by creating a barrier out of bone which in this case, would be the formation over time, of a heel spur.
Heel spurs cannot be cured, but if you are experiencing pain, there are steps you can take to reduce this discomfort.
1. Rest
2. Ice/ Cold packs on the site of inflammation
3. Stretches and exercises and/ or regular physical therapy
4. Over the counter anti inflammatory medications
5. Cortisone Injections to reduce inflammation at the site of pain
There are various surgical options that are available to reduce the bony protrusions if you are not experiencing relief through other methods.
