Dr. Tariq Jagnarine
Family Medicine, Endocrinology
A heel spur is a foot condition that’s created by a bony-like growth, called a calcium deposit, that extends between the heel bone and arch. Heel spurs often start in the front of, and underneath, the heel. They eventually affect other parts of the foot. They can get up to half-an-inch in length. They may not necessarily be visible to the naked eye.
Detecting heel spurs can be challenging. Heel spurs don’t always cause pain, and not all heel pain is related to spurs. Keep reading to learn more about these bony growths and what causes them.
CAUSES
Heel spurs are directly caused by long-term muscle and ligament strain. Eventually, this excessive strain stresses the heel bone (calcaneus) causing spurs. Heel spurs develop over time. They don’t suddenly appear after a workout or a sports event. Heel spurs tend to occur when ignoring early symptoms like heel pain.
Repetitive stress from walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces is a common cause of heel spurs. They may also develop from wearing shoes that don’t support the foot.
Heel spurs may also be caused by:
• Arthritis
• Bruising of the heel
• Excess body weight
• Poorly fitted shoes
• Walking gait issues
• Wearing flip-flops too often
• Worn-out shoes
People who have heel spurs also have plantar fasciitis. This painful condition deals with the tough, fibrous tissue that runs between the heel and toes. Having plantar fasciitis increases the risk of eventually developing heel spurs.
HEEL SPUR SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of heel spurs may include:
• Pain
• Inflammation
• Swelling at the front of the heel
The affected area may also feel warm to the touch. These symptoms may spread to the arch of the foot. Eventually, a small bony protrusion may be visible.
Some heel spurs may cause no symptoms at all. Patients may also not see any changes in soft tissues or bones surrounding the heel. Heel spurs are often discovered only through X-rays and other tests done for another foot issue.
HEEL SPUR DIAGNOSIS
It’s difficult to diagnose a heel spur without medical assistance. This is because the symptoms are similar to other forms of heel pain and foot problems.
A specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon or a podiatrist, is needed for a proper diagnosis. They can then detect a heel spur through an X-ray.
Bony protrusions aren’t usually visible to the naked eye. That’s why diagnostic imaging tools are essential if persons experience any unknown causes of foot pain and inflammation.
Before ordering imaging tests, the doctor will conduct a physical examination of the foot to look for any signs of redness or inflammation. The doctor will also check for any noticeable tenderness on the foot. Tenderness is another indication of a heel spur.
HEEL SPUR TREATMENT
Heel spur treatment primarily consists of rest and lifestyle changes. Talk to the doctor about the following treatment options for heel spurs.
• Cold compresses
Using ice packs or cold compresses for up to 15 minutes at a time may help relieve heel spur pain by temporarily numbing the area. This method also helps reduce swelling. Cold compresses are preferable over heat packs for heel spurs because heat works better for joint and muscle aches.
• Injections of anti-inflammatory medications
For severe pain, the podiatrist may recommend corticosteroid shots. These anti-inflammatory injections
• Over-the-counter pain medications
Acute, or short-term, pain may be reduced with the help of over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications.
• Physical therapy exercises and stretching exercises
The podiatrist may recommend physical therapy as a way to learn and practice exercises to prevent long-term pain, especially since anti-inflammatory medications can only be safely taken for a short amount of time.
Heel spur exercises consist of stretching the heel and plantar fascia muscles. The physical therapist can show how to do some of the exercises at home. These can be performed at any time of the day, but stretches can be especially helpful at night before bedtime.
• Rest
Rest is one of the most recommended treatment measures for both plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Not only does rest help alleviate acute pain, but getting off the feet can also prevent the condition from worsening. It’s especially important to rest the feet after long periods of standing and other activities.
In the case of acute pain from a heel spur, the podiatrist may ask a person to rest the foot until the symptoms subside. Putting weight on the heel while it’s in pain will likely worsen the condition. It could also lengthen the recovery time.
• Orthotic shoe inserts
Orthotic shoe inserts, such as heel pads, can help give you the arch and heel support needed to reduce pain. Heel pads can also prevent further wear and tear. They should be used in addition to proper footwear for all-around foot protection.
• Surgery for heel spurs
The doctor may recommend surgery when heel spur pain becomes severe and ongoing. This type of surgery involves removing the heel spur. Sometimes it also involves releasing the plantar fascia. Heel spur surgery not only reduces pain, but it’s also aimed at boosting mobility in the overall foot. Most people who have this type of surgery also have plantar fasciitis. Due to other forms of treatments and therapies available, surgery is not common for heel spurs alone.
Before recommending heel spur surgery, the doctor will determine if the patients are a proper candidate by conducting final imaging tests via X-rays and EKGs, as well as blood flow tests to the foot.
EXERCISES FOR HEEL SPURS
Stretching exercises are good methods of overall body conditioning because they help to work out sore muscles and tight ligaments while also preventing injuries. The same concept applies to heel spur pain management and recovery. Certain types of stretches can help improve pain and inflammation in the heel and calf areas. These include:
• Calf stretches against the wall
• Calf stretches on steps
• Golf/tennis ball foot rolls
• Seated foot flexes
• Towel grabs with the toes
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HEEL SPURS
Certain essential oils may act as natural anti-inflammatories to reduce both pain and swelling. They may also be massaged into the heels for further relief. Some of the most notable anti-inflammatory essential oils include:
• Bergamot oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Fennel oil
• Lavender oil
• Orange oil
• Rosemary oil
• Sesame oil
• Thyme oil
While studies are still being done to evaluate their anti-inflammatory effects, there’s no concrete evidence yet available that proves essential oils work to cure heel spurs.
It’s also important to keep in mind that these oils have medicinal properties. When used incorrectly, they can cause side effects. Always combine a few drops of essential oil with at least three times the amount of carrier oil and conduct a patch test prior to application.
PREVENTING HEEL SPURS
Preventing heel spurs requires increased attention to overall foot health. Be mindful of the everyday stresses placed on the feet. Be sure to give them a rest at the end of the day. As a rule of thumb, never push through any heel pain that develops.
Continuing to walk, exercise, or wear shoes that cause heel pain can lead to long-term issues such as heel spurs. If experiencing heel pain after any activity, ice the area and give the foot a rest until it gets better.
