Heel Spurs
Definition
A heel spur is a bony projection on the sole (plantar) region of the heel bone (also known as the calcaneous). This condition may accompany or result from severe cases of inflammation to the structure called plantar fascia. This associated plantar fascia is a fibrous band of connective tissue on the sole of the foot, extending from the heel to the toes.
Heel spurs are a common foot problem resulting from excess bone growth on the heel bone. The bone growth is usually located on the underside of the heel bone, extending forward to the toes. One explanation for this excess production of bone is a painful tearing of the plantar fascia connected between the toes and heel. This can result in either a heel spur or an inflammation of the plantar fascia, medically termed plantar fascitis. Because this condition is often correlated to a decrease in the arch of the foot, it is more prevalent after the age of six to eight years, when the arch is fully developed.
Causes
There can be many causes of heel spurs. Most often, athletes or those who have active lifestyles are particularly prone. This is because regular running, jumping, or any activity that can cause the plantar fascia ligament to stretch or extent excessively can cause a heel spur to develop. Those who also lift heavy objects regularly can also cause too much strain to be placed on the fascia, causing it to pull away from the heel bone. The body’s response to this process is depositing calcium in the area of the front bottom portion of the heel, resulting in the bony heel spur.
The Heel Spur growth itself has no feeling. However, pain results from the protrusion of the Heel Spur into soft tissue around the heel of the foot. The area around the spur may become inflamed and cause pain, as well as bruising, as the pointed spur digs through sensitive nerves and tissue. Pain is particularly painful when standing or walking on the inflamed area. Following periods of rest, such as getting out of bed in the morning, pain can be most severe since the heel spur is digging into tissue for the first time after weight has been taken off of the injured heel.
Treatment and Prevention
Elevation of the affected foot and leg at rest may diminish the pain. Applying gentle heat to the painful area may ease the pain by dilating local blood vessels.
One also can protect the heel by placing a foam rubber pad in the heel of the shoe. A pad about one-half inch thick will raise the heel, shift the weight of the body forward, and protect the irritated muscles attached to the heel bone. The same effect can be achieved by using adhesive tape to turn the foot inward.
Additional treatment may consist of a number of physical therapies, such as diathermy, ultrasound waves and whirlpool baths.
Diathermy treatment uses an electrical current to produce heat that sedates the inflamed tissues. The ultrasound device sends sound waves into the heel and sets up a massaging action that stimulates blood circulation. Treatment with a whirlpool bath involves placing the foot directly into the jetting stream.
Orthopedic molds and appliances, such as orthotics, are designed by foot specialists for use inside the shoe to eliminate irritation to the heel when the patient stands or walks. When those appliances are used, the spur (in effect) floats on air. At the same time, the body’s weight is transferred forward from the tender spot.
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