Heel spurs are bony projections from the bone of the heel. The usual cause of heel spurs is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The tendons on the bottom of the foot become inflamed and may cause a calcified hook protruding from the heel bone. A heel spur beneath the heel bone near the sole of the foot is usually from inflammation of the plantar fascia. Heel spurs of the back of the heel bone are caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon.
Pain from a heel spur is commonly the worst with the first few steps after waking or resting. People with heel spurs from Achilles tendonitis experience more pain while running or walking. The heel spur pain is not from the heel spur itself. The pain is from the tearing of the tissue at the site of the bony projection. Not everyone with heel spurs experiences pain. Some people with heel spurs will have periods of intermittent pain and times when they experience no pain.
Self treatment for heel spurs can include using ice to reduce the inflammation of the tendons and provide some pain relief. The person should apply an ice pack for fifteen minutes and remove the ice pack for ten minutes before reapplying the ice pack. An ice pack should not be applied directly to bare skin.
Rest and the use of an over-the-counter pain reliever can help reduce the heel pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually recommended to reduce inflammation and pain associated with heel spurs. Orthotics can be part of the self treatment for heel spurs. Orthotics such as heel lifts and shoe inserts can alleviate some of the pressure on the heel which can reduce the heel pain. Heel spur orthotics are cushioned pads placed at the heel to help reduce the pressure.
Athletes with plantar fasciitis or painful heel spurs may need to revise their training program to allow the injury to heal. Even a slight decrease in training may be beneficial. Athletic shoes with sufficient cushioning should be worn. Cushioning in athletic shoes tends to breakdown over time. Therefore, the shoes should be replaced regularly.
If the heel spur continues to be troublesome, the person should consult a physician. The traditional medical treatment of heel spurs is injections of cortisone. If noninvasive methods of treatment for heel spurs fail to provide relief for heel spurs, surgery may be recommended.
