More about Heel Spurs...
Some Common Causes
- Heel spurs develop as a result of the foot working in an abnormal way.
- "Flat Feet" are the main reason for this - because the feet "roll inwards" on standing or walking, the strip of ligament (the facia) that starts in your heel and stretches forwards to your toes is overworked.
- So when this is happening - and it happens with very single step - where the facia insets into the heel becomes inflamed and painful.
- The bone in the heel will then form a growth of additional bone to try and stop this pulling going on - this bony growth is the heel spur.
- A highly arched foot can also be just as troublesome.
- The presence of tight calf muscles will also bring to bear additional stresses around the heel bone.
- A difference in the length of your legs when compared to each other ( a leg length discrepancy) can cause heel pain.
The Main Symptoms
- Swelling and painful tenderness of the band of ligaments that run from your heel to the ball of your foot.
- This will be more apparent early in the morning as soon as you put your feet to the floor and take your first step of the day.
- You will find it very difficult to walk properly without feeling discomfort for a little while after this and then later on in the day the symptoms may return.
- The pain may also come back after any period of inactivity as soon as you get moving again.
- Any sudden exercise without a warm up will also produce the pain.
Cathy Bowen
MSc DPodM ILTM, Podiatrist
Heel Spurs
This is probably the most common foot complaint.
The heel is the part of the foot that strikes the
ground first when you walk. Pain in this area is as a
result of two major causes - the presence of a heel
spur, or the condition known as plantar faciitis.
Suggested Treatments for Heel Spurs
Try and take the pressure off the foot as much as possible.
Try and buy as good quality shoe as you can - you need support along the inside of your foot.
Corrective Devices (Orthotics) - these will help realign your feet ( stop the "rolling inwards") and allow the pressure you feel as you stand to be directed towards the outside of your feet where it should be felt.
Wearing cushioned heel supports and padding will help.
Compression and stretching exercises from your physiotherapist or podiatrist will help manage the painful symptoms.
Correcting a leg length discrepancy - where this is the cause - with the use of a heel lift can help.
Ice therapy to reduce the swelling will bring welcome relief from the pain.
Other customers have found these useful for Heel Spurs...
 Adjustable Night Splint |
 Biofreeze |
Treating your condition
The Traffic Light symbol at the top of each condition page indicates the way you should approach it:
Red: Seek professional help immediately, either from a suitably qualified Podiatrist or Physiotherapist.
Amber: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.
Green: You can treat this condition yourself if you feel comfortable doing so. However, for further reassurance it might be as well to talk the condition through with a suitably qualified Podiatrist.
Remember this advice is for guidance only and if you are in any doubt at all, please consult your nearest HPC Registered Podiatrist.