Heel spurs caused due to occurrence of calcium deposit beneath the bones of heels, which is known as calcaneus. It causes bony growth which is shaped like a small hook. Heel spurs is very painful and can damper one’s life. The symptoms of heel spurs are very similar to plantar fasciitis, though the causes for these two ailments are very different. It has been seen that most of the people suffering from plantar fasciitis also suffers from heel spurs. People from any age group can suffer from heel spurs, but middle aged men and women are more prone to suffer from this ailment.
The spurs that grow under the heels are usually painless, but sometimes it cause swelling in that particular area or around the spur, which cause lot of pain. It happens due to increased pressure. It is not compulsory that people with heel spurs will experience pain, but those who suffer from extreme pain; they must get adequate treatment to get rid from heel spur.
The heel spur treatment is more or less similar to the plantar fasciitis treatment. Initially, ice should be used to treat the visible swelling area on the heel. You must apply the ice at least for five minutes until the swelling is reduced.
Certain stretching exercises relax the heel tissues and thus help to heal heel spurs. You must consult a physiotherapist in this regard as they are knowledgeable enough about the specific treatments of the heel spur and they would know which treatment will be most effective for you. You must perform these exercises on regular basis twice – once during day time and once at night.
People suffering from heel spurs may use shoe inserts which is popularly known as orthotic inserts and night splints. They are very effective way to treat heel spurs. They are soft, therefore they provide cushion to heel area and relieve stress.
It is important that the orthotic shoes should be properly fitted. Patients can perform regular physical activities without experiencing the severe pain allied with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs with proper fitting orthotics. Orthotic shoes are designed in such a way that it helps to relieve and reduce strain on foot which eventually helps to lessen the foot pain. It gives support to the foot’s anatomical arches and thereby reducing the pain caused due to heel spurs, achilles, tendonitis, pronation and plantar fasciitis.
Night splints, restricts the heel from contracting or shrinking during the sleep at night. It is very beneficial because when the people wake up in the morning, the arch of the foot remains sufficiently stretched and thus the patient does not experience the sharp pain.
You must consult a doctor or a podiatrist if you experience severe pain in the heel area. They can tell you about what type of treatment will be appropriate for you. Depending upon your condition, they might also prescribe medicines or drugs along with the therapy sessions. In advanced cases, the patient needs to undergo surgery to remove the bone growth beneath the heels.
