Heel Bone Spurs: Relief Using Orthotics to Treat Plantar Fasciitis

What are the Symptoms of Heel Spurs?

Heel bone spurs are nail-like growths that form around the ligaments and tendons of the foot where they attach to the heel bone. The main heel spur symptoms are piercing pain in the heel on rising and constant throbbing in the foot. These calcified tissues can dig into the inflamed flesh of the foot, causing pain. At the onset, the pain can be very sharp and can be noticed the most when you stand. Over time, the pain can subside to a dull ache, but this can become a permanent cause for annoyance for the patient. Heel spurs cause pain by poking at flesh that has become very inflamed and irritated, a condition known as plantar fascia inflammation.

A Trigger for Heel Spurs

A common trigger of bone spurs in the heels is when the Plantar Fascia, the thick connective tissue that attaches the toes to the heel becomes inflamed. This unnatural pressure on the heel causes calcification of the soft tissue in the foot, creating plantar fasciitis. Factors that can lead to this condition include abnormal stress, excessive weight, age or poor foot function. When the tissue becomes tight, it is torn over and over by the recurring use of the foot. As the tissue becomes inflamed, it results in bone spurs in the heels.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Heel Spurs

The only way to receive a proper diagnosis is through a foot x-ray. With an x-ray, your doctor can confirm that a heel spur has developed. Treatments vary from elevating the foot to much more serious solutions like foot surgery. Many people find relief from inflammation by applying soothing heat to the area. This alleviates the pain by dilating the blood vessels in the foot and increasing blood circulation. Others discover that simply wearing orthotic arch supports can provide help. These devices provide additional arch support and can help correct over-pronation. By removing the strain on the Plantar Fascia, the tissues in the foot are allowed to heal properly. Many orthotics come with additional heel pads that act as shock absorbers for the heel which help to immediately relieve the pain. Also, there are physical therapy options such as diathermy that can also be helpful in reducing inflammation. This process makes use of an electrical current to produce heat that will ease plantar fascia inflammation.

Prevention of Heel Spurs

One way to help prevent heel spurs is to properly stretch the tissues in the foot and calf before any rigorous exercise. By stretching these tissues, you create more flexibility which lessens the likelihood of plantar fascia inflammation. Also, it is very important to wear shoes that fit properly and provide ample arch support and cushioning to the foot. Orthotic shoe inserts are a smart addition to any shoe to help eliminate any abnormal stress on the Plantar Fascia, which could lead to bone spurs in the heels. Paying attention to our feet is a very important step in staying healthy. Healthy feet are a critical component to our well-being.