Heel Spurs Overview

What are Heel Spurs?

Heel spurs are abnormal bony growths which occur at the heel bone (calcaneus) and can be found at the back of the heel or under the heel. The plantar fascia is a fibrous band of tissue that extends from the heel bone to the ball of the foot or forefoot. When this tissue pulls away from the heel area (calcaneus), calcium deposits form and cause a nail-like growth to develop from the bone and into the flesh of the foot. This creates heel spurs.

What are the Symptoms of Heel Spurs?

Heel spurs can cause extreme pain in the heel while standing, walking or with a sudden action such as jumping or running. When you place your weight on your heel, the heel pain can be powerful enough to immobilize you. Most people find the pain is most severe when you start walking after a rest period, such as when they get out of bed in the morning. However, continued walking and standing can cause the entire heel to become tender as well.

What Causes Heel Spurs?

As mentioned above, calcium deposits from the plantar fascia pulling away from the heel will cause heel spurs. Your plantar fascia is stretched every time you take a step, so this cannot easily be stopped. The stretching of the plantar fascia is usually due to overpronation or pes cavus. Overpronation is otherwise known as flat feet whereas pes cavus indicates very high arches. People with these conditions are prone to develop heel spurs. Women are also more prone to develop heel spurs due to the footwear they often wear.

How Do You Treat Heel Spurs?

The treatment of choice for treating heel spurs are arch supports or foot orthotics. If your heel spurs are due to flat feet, foot orthotics (arch supports) may have an angle built into the heel and logintudinal arch support which will work towards helping you distribute your weight more evenly and tipping the foot into a more appropriate position. If high arches are causing your heel spurs, your orthotic will cushion the heel, support the arch, and help absorb the shock while again working towards distributing your weight more evenly when walking.

Further treatments for heel spurs may include stretching exercises, heel cradles or cups, losing weight, and wearing the appropriate shoes. To assist with heel spurs, look for a shoe that has a cushioned heel to absorb shock and protect the heel spur. Make sure it is stable enough to help control pronation and otherwise support your foot. (Shoe Stability and Fit)

Temporary treatment for heel spurs may include elevating the foot, rest and applying ice to reduce inflammation.  Physical Therapists (physiotherapists) can also offer temporary relief for heel spurs through pain control modalities and exercise programs to stretch the plantar fascia and strengthen the muscles in the foot. Injections or surgery are options of last resort for heel spurs.

In extreme cases, when surgical removal of heel spurs is necessary, the surgery actually does not address the underlying cause of improper foot alignment.  In these cases, there is a high rate of recurring heel spurs if the underlying position of the foot is not corrected with orthotic arch supports.

View pedorthist recommended lines of foot orthotics, Click Here: Arch Supports