When you first wonder what is a heel spur, you may think of the little metal projection on a cowboy boot that is used to spur a horse on to run faster. Cowboys have believed since the 14th century that boot spurs on their heels were a good thing.
What Is A Heel Spur On A Human?
But a heel spur on a human is an odd type of thing. Its a bony growth on the inside of the body near the heel bone, called the calcaneus. Surprisingly, many people can have heel spurs without even a little ouch coming out of their mouth. Heel spurs in a human can cause so much pain in every step that those with heel spurs and pain arent walking anywhere, and can become quite immobilized.
Heel spurs are all unique. Many have a smooth, flat surface and are located on the underside of the calcaneus while other heel spurs could be jagged and look like they are piercing the soft tissue of the foot when viewed on an x-ray. On others, heel spurs can be a collection of bony growths anywhere on the heel, but rarely on the top of the heel. In size, heel spurs can be 0.13 inches long or greater.
What Is A Heel Spur Symptom?
Every health issue has symptoms and heel spurs are no different. Here are the main symptoms experienced by those with heel spurs:
- Bony growth felt under the heel
- Pain in foot, in heel at front towards the arch or in back or side of heel
- Redness and swelling in heel
- No pain at all
- Altered gait in walking and running
- Pain in ankle, knee, hip or back
One of the most characteristic signs of a heel spur is that the pain worsens when you are first beginning to walk after a period of immobility. You may be sitting quietly at your desk and decide to get up to get a glass of water when sudden pain is felt in your heel. This occurs because the pain is really due to the inflammation of the tendons that are attaching to the calcaneus. Heel spur pain starts out in one area of the heel and then progresses to include the whole heel. This is why youll want to see your podiatrist who can diagnose the condition correctly.
Heel spurs are found in runners and other athletes that run or jump such as volleyball players and tennis players, but heel spurs also have made their way into those who work out religiously at the gym doing step aerobics or use stair climbing machines. Those who are obese, pregnant, have diabetes or wear tight-fitting shoes are prone to develop heel spurs as well. The condition is usually found in those over the age of 40. And anyone who has had plantar fasciitis is also prone to develop heel spurs.
What Should I Do About My Heel Spurs?
The treatment for heel spurs is the same as for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis in many cases. Surgery is not recommended unless all other methods of relief have not worked for over a year. That means you are going to have to get started by making some changes in your footwear immediately, unless you want to suffer!
The biggest problem with heel spurs is all that inflammation. What will you do to decrease the inflammation? Taking a painkiller isnt the answer because painkillers dont address the problem and are associated with side effects. Running to the doctor well, walking slowly, there when you have a heel spur they typically give you a cortisone injection which been linked with two major problems you dont want to develop:
- Fat pad atrophy in the foot. Your fat pads cushion your foot from compressive and tensile forces. Without the fat pads, you WILL have more pain.
- Rupture of the plantar fascia. This is not good. The plantar fascia hold your foot together in its form. This connective tissue must be strong in order for you to support your body weight.
When you have pain from heel spurs, one of your best solutions is this: rest, avoiding any activities that cause the worst pain such as running or jumping. No more jumping off that horse or off that trampoline! Not until you heal the heel. Allow the inflammation some time to settle down by using an ice pack and an anti-inflammitory.
Don't forget to make changes in your footwear, the best choice is our Heel Spur Insoles and Inserts.
Additional Heel Spur Treatments
Here are some additional recommendations that have brought relief to those with heel spurs:
- Heel spur exercises - You can even make up your own heel spur exercises. Keep your heel and entire foot on the floor during the exercise. The goal is to stretch the tendons that attach to the heel. With your hands on the wall and your feet placed on in front of the other, move in towards the wall with your body until you feel the stretch in the tendon. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat a few times. Do this exercise at different times during the day. Its soothing and brings relief.
- Osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments - Let the professionals put their healing hands on your feet. Its possible that minor misalignment's are contributing to the condition.
- Acupuncture
- Diathermy electrical current therapy
- Ultrasound sound wave therapy
- Whirlpool baths, (put your heel right in the jet stream)
Now get busy and Giddyup to go get your healing! Check out the Best Heel Spur Insoles and Inserts at TheInsoleStore.com, today!