What is Heel Spurs?
A heel spur is the development of a bone around the tendons and ligaments of the foot that gradually protrudes and attaches to the heel bone. The growth of heel spurs from the bone into the flesh of the foot can cause tremendous pain and discomfort. It usually takes years to determine the abnormal growth of bone on the heel area because the development of the bone is quite slow; but once it starts to take its shape and protrude from the flesh, it is painful enough to mobilize a person.
Who Are at Risk of Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs can affect individuals regardless of sex and age, but people who are over 40 years old are most likely to develop this condition. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are more at risk to this condition, while people who have poor blood circulation and other degenerative diseases are also at risk to acquire heel spurs.
Heel Spurs Management and Treatment
There are ways to manage heel spurs. If the bone is causing intolerable pain, a surgery can be administered to remove the bone. There are also therapies such as diathermy treatment which is specifically designed for heel spurs. You can also apply the following to lessen the impact of heel spurs.
- Elevate your foot and legs while resting to improve blood circulation and lessen the pain.
- To get rid of the pain brought by heel spurs, shoes must be adjusted such as inserting a half inch thick rubber pad made of foam in the heel of the shoe to raise the heel and shift the body weight forward. This will also protect the muscles attached to the heel bone from further irritation.
- You can also apply gentle heat to the affected area to dilate the local blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
- You can also turn the foot inward by placing adhesive tape on the heel of the shoe.