Do You Have a Heel Spur?

Do You Have a Heel Spur? 

Heel pain is a common complaint that podiatrists hear. Some people complain of chronic heel pain, while others have a sudden onset of heel pain when they wake up in the morning. Heel pain can have multiple causes, one of which is a heel spur. If you have experienced heel pain before, read to determine why a heel spur may or may not be the cause.

What is a Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a bone-like growth that forms on the back or lower part of the outer heel. When fully developed, the formation looks like a small hook-like protrusion on the heel.

A heel spur can take years to form, during which time there may be no symptoms or physical evidence that it exists. However, over time, the spur forms and, depending on severity, if associated with plantar fasciitis can cause pain and require treatment.

What Causes a Heel Spur?

Prolonged long-term strain on the heel and its tendons, ligaments and muscles is the primary cause of heel spurs. This continuous pressure stresses the heel bone, leading to calcium deposits building up on the heel bone's surface.

Heel spurs do not form instantly after an activity or overnight. As such, heel pain from injury or overuse may not necessarily point to a heel spur.

Nevertheless, repetitive strain from high-impact activities like running and jumping can lead to heel spur formation.

Other factors that can contribute to the formation of a heel spur include:

• Shoes that do not support your feet
• Heel bruising
• Arthritis
• Excessive body weight
• Over wearing flat shoes
• Plantar fasciitis

Heel Spur Symptoms and Diagnosis

Heel spurs often have no symptoms, but they may be associated with chronic or intermittent heel pain, especially when walking or running. When pain from a heel spur occurs, its primary cause is an inflammation of the surrounding soft tissue, often plantar fascia.

Self-diagnosing a heel spur is problematic as, in most cases, you cannot feel it through your skin. A visit to the podiatrist is the best option for correct diagnosis. By ordering an x-ray, the foot specialist will be able to tell you conclusively whether you have a heel spur.

Heel Spur Treatment and Home Remedies

Heel spur pain is treatable with over-the-counter medications and home remedies.

Some remedies you can try are:

• Apply a cold compress to the affected area
• Wear shoes with better heel support and padding
• Use orthotics that support the heel
• Take pain medication
• Do stretching exercises that increase your heel's flexibility
• Get corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation

Heel Spur Surgery

In some cases, chronic pain and an inadequate response to alternative treatments will lead your podiatrist to recommend heel spur surgery. One surgical method used is an inferior calcaneal exostectomy or a heel spur removal, where a foot surgeon surgically removes the heel spur. Alternatively, the foot surgeon may detach your plantar fascia to ease the heel's pressure and tension and stop the further formation of the heel spur.

A less invasive treatment for heel pain

In many cases, heel spur surgery can be avoided by using lasers, and soundwaves, including shockwaves. This may be preferably to heel spur surgery. For more information, please contact Toronto podiatrist, Sheldon Nadal D.P.M, at 416-624-3338.