Heel Spurs- Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatments For Heel Spurs

By Author: Jai Prakash Srivastava
Total Articles: 304
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Heel spurs are growth of calcium around the tendons and ligaments of the foot where they are attached with the heel bone. This calcium (spur) grows from the bone to the flesh of the foot.

A heel spur is often confused with plantar fasciitis. Plantar faciitis is the inflammation of plantar fascia (the tissue that forms the arch of the foot).

A heel spur is due to an anatomical change of the heel bone. The heel bone called calcaneus, forms one end of the two longitudinal arches of a foot. These two arches are connected and held together by ligaments. Muscles of the foot support these ligaments. Many of these muscles and ligaments are attached at the heel bone for support. The stress taken by a foot causes calcifying of the soft tissues and creation of a spur. Heel spur treatment is very much similar to plantar fasciitis treatment.

Symptoms of a heel spur

Heel pain takes a long time to take the form of a spur, but when it becomes a problem, it may be a cause for great suffering. When the patient places his weight on the feet, the pain is so intense that it can immobilize you. This pain is because of ...
... the inflammation around the tendons at the point of their connection with the heel bone. Walking on the spur gradually decreases the pain but a severe pain can be experienced if the patient walks after a rest.

If excessive strain was placed on the foot a day before, pain today will also be greater. An accidental or sudden strain by jumping or leaping can increase the pain. This type of pain is localized initially but long durations of walking and standing can cause the whole heel to be tender and aching.

Diagnoses of a heel spur

Clinical examinations are helpful in diagnosing heel spurs. This may include the patient to walk and stand while the expert notices his moves. Experts take into considerations various factors like medical history, foot pain and physical activity.

Various helpful technological advancements, such as X-rays, radiographs, MRI scanners and diagnostic ultrasounds are being used by doctors to find out the real problem in the foot of the patient. On an X-ray test, a spur can be identified as a penetrating tooth like thing into the flesh of the heel.

Treatment

 You can elevate the affected foot and take rest for some time. If you apply gentle heat to the effected area, it may be soothing for some time.
 You can also ensure your heel's safety by placing a rubber foam pad or insoles in the heel of the shoe. An insole about 1 ½ inch thick will raise your heel and shift your body weight forward. This protects the effected muscles attached with the heel bone.
 Other therapies may consist of a number of physical therapies such as ultrasound waves, diathermy or ultrasound waves. Ultrasound waves helps in the treatment by directly sending sound waves into the heel and stimulating a massaging action that helps in blood circulation. Diathermy involves an electrical current to which produces heat to sedate the inflammated area. In a whirlpool bath, the patient places his foot directly into a jetting stream.
 Orthotics are special molds and other appliances designed by foot specialists to use by patients. Patients can place these in their shoes for their comfort while walking and standing.
 Surgery is a more radical treatment that is a permanent action to relieve the foot from the spur. The expert suggests going for a surgery only if no other treatment is successful in your case.

Find more information relating to plantar fasciitis, and plantar faciitis treatment here.