Heel Spur: Calcaneal Spur Treatment

Heel Spur or Calcaneal Spur is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is bony thickening of the calcaneal bone - the largest bone in the foot.

Causes of Heel Spurs

• Weight gain
• Improper footwear
• Sudden spurt of daily chores
• Weak calf muscles tend to add pressure to the foot
• Plantar fasciitis - "itis" indicates the inflammation of the tissue (plantar fascia) at the arch of the foot.

Heel Spur Symptoms

Though all the people with spurs do not have heel pain, severe foot pain on standing is the main symptom of a calcaneal spur. The pain is more in the morning and decreases with activity. The spur forms due to the deposition of calcium near the plantar fascia. The heel pain arises due to the spur pricking the surrounding tissue. The heel pain has been depicted as toothache in the foot.

Diagnosis

Heel bone spurs can be diagnosed with an X-ray foot where a bony outgrowth can be seen at the calcaneal bone near the attachment of plantar fascia. Radiological proof helps exclude other conditions like arthritis, stress fractures etc.

Self Treatment for Heel Spurs

Avoid walking barefoot: Shoes are a must to support the arch of the foot even when at home. Arch Supports and heel cups cushion to the heel, and reduce the weight bearing on the foot during activities.

Rest: The intensity and duration of activity and weight bearing should be reduced. Staying off the feet can help a lot.

Exercises: The workout regimen should consist of mild stretches for strengthening of foot and calf muscles so as to reduce the tension on the heel mechanically.

Cold and heat therapy: Rolling an ice bottle under the foot can reduce acute pain. In chronic cases heat application also helps reduce the symptoms.

Weight loss: Losing weight can reduce the extra pressure that plantar fascia bears with every step.

Fully covered footwear must be used to avoid recurrence of spurs.

Pain Relief Medications like analgesics and anti-inflammatory are advisable in acute as well as chronic cases.

For chronic heel pain management or surgical advice consult a podiatrist. Steroids and anesthetic injectables at the site of spur may be advised in severe ceases.