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.  ​

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. ​

What is a heel spur

Pain in the heel is often caused by a condition known as a heel spur. The heel spur is an abnormal growth of bone on the bottom of your foot that can cause pain and inflammation in the area.
What causes a heel spur?So, what causes a heel spur? Your heel bone (calcaneus) is located in the back of your foot, beneath the arch. It’s shaped like an arrowhead and connects to your Achilles tendon at the back of your ankle.
The most common cause of heel spurs is plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of an important ligament on the bottom of your foot that supports it when standing and walking. Plantar fasciitis usually occurs because there’s too much pressure on this ligament as you walk or run, (such as after exercising without proper stretching )or mechanical issues such as having flat feet.
Other possible causes include:

• Heel pad syndrome:
  👉🏽This happens when you wear shoes with poor arch support for too long without giving them time to rest between wearing;
  excessive walking;
  👉🏽wearing shoes that are too tight or do not fit properly;
  👉🏽arthritis in the joints around the heel
  

How do you know if you have a heel spur?To put it simply, you'll feel pain in your heel when you're walking, running or standing. It may also hurt when putting on shoes, walking up or down stairs and bending your foot. The pain can worsen if you stand on a hard surface such as concrete for an extended period of time.
What are the symptoms of a heel spur?

• Pain in the heel.
  
• Pain in the front of your ankle.
  
• Swelling and tenderness around your heel.
  
• Pain when walking or standing on it, especially after being inactive for some time (for example, waking up with pain). You may also feel pain when putting on shoes or socks, or when sitting down in a shoe with a high heel that presses against your sore area.
  

Should I see a doctor if my foot is hurting?Foot pain is a common complaint. It can be caused by many things, including:

• A medical condition that you may have had for years (for example, arthritis)
  
• An injury to your foot or leg, such as hitting your toe on something or stepping on a rock
  
• Obesity or other medical condition (some conditions cause fluid retention in the feet and may cause pain)
  

What treatments are available for heel spurs?

• Non-surgical treatments
  
• Physical therapy
  
• Exercise and stretching
  
• Medications
  

If your foot pain is persistent, you should make an appointment with a Doctor or Podiatrist .If your foot pain is persistent, you should make an appointment with a podiatrist. A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the study and treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle. They’re also known as “foot and ankle surgeons.”
A podiatrist can help you with heel pain, plantar fasciitis and other foot problems. Your family doctor or general practitioner may refer you to a podiatrist if they feel that surgery is appropriate for your condition

We hope this has helped you understand what a heel spur is, how to recognize it, and the best ways to treat it. If your foot pain is persistent, you should make an appointment with a podiatrist who can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.