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If the phrase \u201cheel spurs\u201d brings to mind a cowboy prodding his tired horse with sharp, silver stars on the heel of his boots, that image isn\u2019t far off.<\/p>\n
What, exactly, are heel spurs? What causes them? And how can you treat them if you start to notice an unwelcome stabbing sensation with each step?<\/p>\n
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form on the heel bone. While some heel spurs may grow undetected for months or even years, other heel spurs cause heel pain, inflammation, and difficulty walking when they begin to dig into the fatty heel pad.<\/p>\n
Heel spurs are closely connected with plantar fasciitis, since these calcium deposits commonly form where the plantar fascia (a stretchy ligament that connects the heel and ball of the foot) attaches to the bottom of the heel bone.<\/p>\n
Plantar fasciitis<\/a> is one of the most common cause of heel spurs. In fact, about 70% of plantar fasciitis sufferers have heel spurs. Why? Researchers believe that these tiny calcium deposits are the body\u2019s attempt to protect and fortify the plantar fascia when it\u2019s damaged or strained by sending extra calcium to the injury site. Unfortunately, over time this extra calcium can build up as sharp, protruding bone spurs that dig into the fat pad of the heel.<\/p>\n All of the following risk factors can increase your odds of developing plantar fasciitis–and heel spurs:<\/p>\n Heel spurs are more common in women than men, in part because of ill-fitting, unsupportive footwear. Heel spurs are also more common as we age<\/a>. People over 40 are especially likely to develop heel spurs.<\/p>\n Heel spurs are one of the main culprits of morning pain, the hallmark of plantar fasciitis. During the night while the feet and legs aren\u2019t working, the plantar fascia tightens up. The first few steps in the morning put pressure on this tight, painful tissue \u2014 and make any contact with heel spurs all the more excruciating.<\/p>\n While the heel spur itself has no feeling (it\u2019s just a bony calcium deposit!) the tissues in contact with the heel spur certainly do. As a sharp, pointy heel spur digs into the fat pad of the heel, nerves in the foot, and other tissues, walking and standing can become increasingly difficult and painful. Bruising, pain, and inflammation can become very severe and even debilitating.<\/p>\n Keep in mind that about 38 percent of the population has a heel spur and doesn\u2019t even know it<\/a>! Whether or not your heel spurs cause pain depends on their size, shape, and placement on the heel.<\/p>\n As with any injury, prevention is ideal. Avoid developing heel spurs in the first place by wearing supportive, properly fitting shoes that help your arch distribute weight and absorb impact properly. It\u2019s also important to rest between exercise sessions or high-impact sports, break up long periods of standing, and take special care of your feet if you\u2019ve recently gained weight or are pregnant.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re already suffering from painful heel spurs, it\u2019s important to support the arch while also taking the pressure off painful heel spurs. Wearing orthotic inserts with Fascia-Bar technology<\/a> is one of the most effective ways to realign the arch to a proper height, while also removing the pressure from heel spurs.<\/p>\n Icing can also help improve the pain and inflammation of heel spurs. While you\u2019re healing, you may need to take a break from high-impact sports or exercises that strain your arch, and be especially diligent about giving your feet periods of rest throughout the day. While surgery for heel spurs is a last resort because of the long recovery and expense, outcomes are typically favorable. If your heel spurs don\u2019t improve with orthotics, rest, icing, and proper footwear, talk to your doctor about next steps.<\/p>\n Exercises & Stretches for Heel Spurs<\/a><\/p>\n\n
Why Do Heel Spurs Cause Pain?<\/h2>\n
How Can I Treat or Prevent Heel Spurs?<\/h2>\n
Heel Spurs Knowledge Base:<\/h2>\n