Calcaneal Heel Spurs – How To Treat Them!

Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are connected but different problems. The

diagnoses are not necessarily the same but they are related. The arch of the

foot is supported by a thick connective tissue, the plantar

fascia. Plantar fasciitis is when inflammation occurs in this tissue. Heel

spurs or calcaneal heel spurs are related with plantar fasciitis in that they

grow in response to the need for the plantar fascia to stretch. This tissue,

however, does not stretch but the bone spurs to which the tissue is connected

grow to give some extra length. They are seen as small bone spurs or

osteophytes that form on the calcaneus or the heel bone.

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Overview of Heel Spurs

Many people have a calcaneal spur, even if they do not have symptoms of pain

and the precise relationship between plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spurs is

not always well understood.

It is quite possible that those who have a history of foot pain as a result of

plantar fasciitis will also be prone to suffer from heel spurs. People of all

ages can get calcaneal heel spurs, especially if they have had plantar

fasciitis previously. Men and women in middle age are more susceptible to this

condition. The pain is not primarily caused by the spur itself but more likely

the problem is inflammation and irritation that occurs in the plantar fascia.

A heel spur can clearly be seen with an X-ray of the heel which will show a

hook of bone jutting out towards the plantar fascia.

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How To Treat Heel Spurs?

Since they are related problems these spurs can be treated in the same way

that plantar fasciitis is treated. Inflammation control and short-term rest

are the first steps in treating calcaneal heel spurs. The symptoms can be

treated if the following steps are taken:

1. Anti-Inflammatories

Inflammation can be decreased, and pain can be controlled by taking anti-

inflammatory medications. You can use both over-the counter and prescription

medications.

2. Ice Packs

Some of the symptoms can be diminished, and heel pain can be controlled by

icing the heels,a packet of frozen peas is ideal for this. Even in the case of

aggravated symptoms the use of ice can be very helpful.

3. Using Exercises and Stretches

The tissues surrounding the heel bone can be relaxed with exercises and

stretches. Sufferers can relieve the symptoms by exercising in the morning and

evening.

4. Orthotics

Probably the best treatment in most cases is the use of orthotics. These can

be bought online inexpensively or tailor made to your needs. These shoe

inserts can give permanent relief for people and avoid regular and

tedious strapping that may be more appropriate only for athletes.

5. Using Night Splints

Night splints will keep the foot stretched at a permanent 90 degrees

while sleeping. The arch of the foot is prevented from getting contracted at

night and the foot will feel more comfortable in the morning.

6. Rest and avoid overtaxing the foot

Avoid activities that exacerbate the symptoms. Minimize prolonged standing and

resting weight on the painful foot. Do not run or jog for a few days whilst

the foot is recovering. Fortunately the most severe pain can often be

eliminated and inflammation reduced by merely resting.

You should not confuse calcaneal heal spurs and plantar fasciitis with tarsal

tunnel syndrome, they are entirely different conditions. If you are at all

worried or confused you should seek the advice of your physician but I hope

that this short article and video has helped clarify the condition and shown

ways to alleviate it.

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