What are heel spurs?

A patient gets heel bone spurs when a hook of bone forms on the foot bone (also called calcaneus). The heel, being the largest bone of the foot, takes in a lot of pressure and shock. Heel spur pain occurs when an abnormal bony protrusion grows in the heel bone.

This protrusion is formed by calcium deposits that accumulate when the plantar fascia (the arch tissue) drags away from the heel.

Heel spurs should not be confused with plantar fasciitis, which is related but totally different. Plantar fasciitis is the swelling of the plantar fascia. Just like plantar fasciitis, though, heel bone spurs can be very painful and impede walking or standing.

 

What are the symptoms of heel bone spurs

Heel bone spurs grow very near the tendons, which is why it causes one major symptom -- pain. Many patients liken pain to a toothache, except that it is in the foot. Most patients experiencing pain cannot put their weight on their affected heel. In worst cases, the pain is immobilizing.

Symptoms of heel spurs usually worsen after sleep or after a long period of foot inactivity. This is because during rest, the plantar fascia becomes tighter, and sudden movements that stretch the area are enough to cause pain. As the tendon loosens (while walking, etc.), the ache typically abates, and then returns after extended walking or standing.

 

What causes a heel spur?

Men and women in their middle ages seem to be more prone to heel bone spurs, but this injury occurs in all age brackets.

Patients who have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis are also more prone – in fact, some 70 percent of plantar fasciitis patients experience heel pain. This is especially true for patients who have been suffering from the condition for a long time.

 

Tests and Diagnoses

A doctor will typically require the patient to undergo an x-ray to determine if a heel spur is growing. The X-ray should show a protrusion – a hook bone – sticking out from the base of the foot, around the area where the plantar fascia is joined to the heel bone.

 

How to treat spurs in heel

Heel spur pain can be treated by rest and some therapy, but in worst cases, surgery may also be required.

The doctor will typically advise a patient to avoid foot activities that put too much pressure on the heel, such as jogging, standing for extended periods, or walking for extended periods. Rest, as a rule, helps eliminate or at least relieve pain as it allows the swelling to cool down. Applying ice packs also helps.

Simple physical therapy such as diathermy is also a popular treatment. During diathermy, electrical currents are used to warm up the area and sedate swollen tissues. Some ultrasound devices can also be used to send sound waves to and massage the heel area. This helps stimulate circulation. Some doctors also advice patients to use whirlpool bath treatment – the affected foot is simply placed into the jetting stream for relief and therapy.

In some cases, orthotics may be advised. These contraptions can be put inside regular shoes to eliminate soreness when standing or walking. Orthotics help transfer the patient’s body weight forward, away from the painful spot.

Heel Spur Surgery is rarely ever used, but it can offer a permanent alteration of the foot structure and remove the spur. Doctors usually recommend an operation only when all other treatments prove to be unsuccessful.