Heel Spurs - Causes and Treatment Options?



Posted: Friday, January 29, 2010

by
http://www.sorefeetsolved.com

Some Causes

The plantar facia is a band of connective tissue that runs from the base of the heel to the base of the toes. Heel spurs begin when a partial separation occurs between this tissue and the heel bone. This may in turn cause the growth of new bone in the affected area that projects out into the flesh of the foot. Other causes of heel spurs might be obesity, running, jogging, or jumping up and down in a sports class (e.g. aerobics), standing on your feet all day, wearing worn out shoes etc. In fact, anything that constantly strains the muscles that support your feet can lead to the formation of a heel spur.

Symptoms

A heel spur can feel rather like having a rock permanently wedged in your heel or a painful bruise. The pain is most intense immediately after a period of rest and just when you begin to walk again. The more you walk the better you will feel, but only up untio a certain point. Continued walking and long periods of standing will cause the heel to become increasingly tender.

Treatment and Prevention

If you have heel spurs then the painful inflammation in your heel needs to be relieved by resting your foot. Using a heating pad or hot water, apply heat to stimulate the circulation as well as ease the pain and help reduce swelling. When wearing shoes, place a half-inch thick heel pad in your shoes. This will help to cushion the pain and absorb shock. Also consider arch supports as they may help to take some of the weight off your heel.

To prevent heel spurs allow your feet to be stretched and to relax throughout the day. If practicable, try removing your shoes several times during the day, and flex your feet and rotate your ankles. This will help in relieving the pressure and tension on the plantar fascia.

Try to always wear comfortable shoes. A firmer, motion control shoe with a snug heel and ample padding in the heel area is recommended. This is especially important if your job demands that you are on your feet a lot of if you are a keen exerciser.

As ever, see a qualified physician if at home therapy and heel padding doesn't help. Your doctor may want to use steroid injections for temporary relief or may decide to make custom orthotics. These will redistribute your weight so that your foot is correctly balanced and the pressure is taken off the spur. As a last resort your doctor can consider surgery to remove the spur

Copyright (c) 2010 Eamon Greville

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Remember whilst Heel Spurs can be painful and unsightly, there are many measures you can take to alleviate or prevent their occurrence. For more useful informative free advice on the management of foot problems and sore feet do check out

http://www.sorefeetsolved.com

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