Heel bone spurs can be described as painful bony projections, which are seen in the thick membrane that runs between the toes and the heel bone. These heel bone spurs do not really cause any pain on their own, but when they rub against the nerves and other bones that are close by, they could lead to intense pain. Moreover, these bony projections could also lead to an inflammation in the foot, when a person walks for an extended period of time. Although anybody can get affected by this problem, it is more commonly seen in athletes, who apply a lot of pressure on their foot. Women who wear high heels for a long period of time each day too are at a high risk of developing heel bone spurs. Most people use heel spur pain relief techniques, so that they can go about their day to day activities without much trouble. However, it is important for people to know what causes heel spurs in order to opt for more effective heel bone spurs treatment.
Causes
The main cause of heel bone spurs is the deposit of calcium on the fascia tissue, which connects to the heel bone. In most cases, heel bone spurs are a direct result of a disease and health conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Since this condition breaks down the cartilage of the joint, while the body attempts to repair it, it leads to the creation of new bones, along the edges of the existing bones in the heel. Some of the other factors that are known to lead to heel spurs are obesity, rheumatoid arthritis and poor circulation. Studies also indicate that heel bone spurs could occur as a part of the aging process.
Symptoms
In most cases, there are no signs or symptoms that become evident with the occurrence of heel bone spurs. Hence, people do not even realize that they have heel bone spurs till they undergo an x - ray or a checkup for another condition. The only symptom that is really evident is sharp pain felt in the heel of the foot, especially while walking.
Treatment
Heel spurs treatment includes not just medication, but also lifestyle changes, exercises and home remedies.
Some doctors may recommend the use of medicines like over the counter Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs to ease the pain. However, in case the use of medication is not very effective, then surgery may also be required. The surgery to remove heel bone spurs could be of two types, that is, either in an open procedure, where the surgeon cuts open the skin around the heel joint for access, or through an arthroscopic surgery, where a small camera is used to view the inside of the heel joint.
Some of the most common heel spur remedies include getting adequate amounts of rest, where the foot is elevated for at least a week or so. Alternate heat and cold therapy should also be applied for the reduction of heel bone spur pain. When people do need to walk around, crutches should be used, so that there is no pressure applied on to the foot. Since body weight adds pressure on to the foot, people should try and lose weight, till they are within their healthy weight bracket. There are certain heel spur exercises that may also be useful in relieving the pain. These exercises include wall stretches and stair stretches, to name a few. One of the most essential aspects of getting rid of heel spur pain is by wearing the right shoes, or adding a cushioning if necessary.
answered by M W