Heel Spur
A heel spur is a hooked bony growth protruding from the Calcaneus (heel bone). This problem often occurs alongside Plantar Fasciitis, and as such the two conditions are often confused, however they are not the same.
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness on the base of the heel.
- Pain on weight bearing.
- Severe cases may make walking very difficult.
- Bony growth on the heel, seen on an X-ray.
Common causes of this bone spur in the heel are repetitive trauma to the base of the heel, obesity, poor walking/running technique, poorly fitting shoes, or hereditary conditions.
Heel Spur Treatment
- The most important part of treatment for heel spurs is to rest. Do not undertake activities which hurt the foot or aggravate symptoms.
- Apply an ice pack regularly for 10 minutes at a time.
- Exercises and stretches to keep the foot and ankle strong and mobile.
- Anti-Inflammatory medicine (e.g. ibuprofen) may be prescribed by a doctor.
- Shoe inserts can help to take the pressure off of the spur and reduce pain.
- If these treatments do not significantly ease the symptoms then surgery may be an option.
