How Plantar Fascia Stress Contributes To The Onset Of Heel Spurs

What Are Heel Spurs?

Heel bone spurs are hardened tissue growth at the heel where the tendons are found. Common symptoms of a heel spur are sharp pain in the heel when stretching the foot and a continuous aching of the foot. These calcified tissues can protrude into the swollen tissue in the foot and cause pain. At the onset, the pain can be very sharp and will be present upon standing. Over time, the pain can subside to a dull ache, but this can become a constant source of irritation for the patient. Heel spurs cause pain by digging into the surrounding tissue that has become very irritated and inflamed, a condition known as plantar fasciitis.

A Common Cause of Heel Spurs

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

Common Treatments for Heel Spurs

The only way to receive a proper diagnosis is through a foot x-ray. With an x-ray, your doctor can validate that a heel spur has developed. You can treat this condition by simply elevating your foot or consider more extreme measures like foot surgery. Many people are able to lessen inflammation by applying gentle heat to the heel. By increasing the circulation, the blood vessels dilate and the pain lessens. Others find that simply wearing orthotics can provide help. These devices provide additional arch support and can help correct over-pronation. By reducing the stress on the Plantar Fascia, the tissues in the foot are given the time they need to properly heal. Many arch support insoles come with additional heel pads that act as shock absorbers for the heel which help to immediately relieve the discomfort. Also, diathermy is a form of physical therapy that can reduce inflammation. This process utilizes an electrical current to produce heat that will ease plantar fasciitis.

How to Prevent Heel Spurs

A way to avoid heel spurs is stretch the foot and calf before strenuous exercise. By stretching these tissues, you create more flexibility which lowers the likelihood of plantar fasciitis. Also, it is very important to wear shoes that fit properly and provide ample arch support and cushioning to the foot. Adding orthotics to any shoe can help alleviate strain on the Plantar Fascia that could cause heel spurs. Being mindful of our feet is a very important step in staying healthy. Healthy feet are a vital component to our long-term health.