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Heel Spur or Calcaneal Spur : Treatment, Prevention

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A heel spur or a calcaneal spur is a bony outgrowth or an osteophyte formed on the heel bone. This problem commonly occurs in relation with Plantar Fasciitis.

Signs and Symptoms of Heel Spur or Calcaneal Spur

  • Pain in the region surrounding the heel spur.
  • Heel pain upon weight bearing.
  • Activities like walking and other physical activities become difficult to perform due to pain in the heels caused by heel spur.
  • There will be some redness or inflammation around heel spur region.
  • Heel pain upon bearing weight which makes walking and other physical activities difficult to perform.

Causes of Heel Spur or Calcaneal Spur

One of the common causes of Heel Spur is recurrent stress to the base of the heel which results in buildup of calcium deposits on the heel. As the damage increases, these calcium deposits get accumulated and form a heel spur.

Other Common Reasons:

  • Individuals who are overweight or obese tend to develop heel spurs or calcaneal spur.
  • Improper walking or running technique can also be a factor in developing heel spur.
  • Ill fitting footwear or wearing high heels.
  • Hereditary factors can also be a reason for heel spur.
  • If your work demands you to be on your feet for a long time then that can also be a contributing factor for developing a spur in the heel.
  • Ageing is also a cause for developing heel spur.
  • Diabetics are more prone to developing heel spurs.

Treatment for Heel Spur or Calcaneal Spur

  • Ice pack application helps in pain relief from heel spur. Other option is to roll your feet on an iced can or bottle.
  • The foot and ankle should be exercised and stretched to maintain strength and flexibility.
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen can be taken for pain relief from heel spur.
  • Patients can use shoe inserts to limit the pressure on the spur and thus decrease pain.
  • Choosing a well cushioned shoes or slippers goes a long way in helping you cope with heel spur.
  • Orthotics to help you deal with heel spur includes heel cups and insoles.
  • Surgery may be required if the previously mentioned treatment fails. Surgical option for heel spur includes either instep plantar fasciotomy or endoscopic heel spur surgery.

Recovery Period of Heel Spur or Calcaneal Spur:

  • Time taken to recover from the pain of heel spur or calcaneal spur depends on the severity of the spur.
  • It is important to take plenty of rest and avoid weight bearing on the affected feet.
  • If your job involves standing on the feet most of the time then it is important to make changes to it so as to allow your feet to get more rest as this will reduce the recovery period but if you ignore to rest and
  • continue working through the pain the chances are that your heel spur condition and its pain may worsen and will prolong the healing time.
  • Overweight patients may take more time to recover from heel spur due to the extra pressure of the body weight on the heel.

Prevention of Heel Spur or Calcaneal Spur:

  • Choice of footwear goes a long way in preventing heel spurs. Right footwear would be the one which has well cushioned insoles which can act as shock absorbers, light weight etc.
  • It is important to maintain proper BMI. Overweight or obese people are more prone to developing heel spurs or calcaneal spurs so it is important to exercise and maintain the appropriate weight.
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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:August 29, 2019

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