A heel spur is a growth that occurs on the heel bone, and these growths can make standing or walking nearly unbearable. While heel spurs can be present without any physical pain, they are more often linked to the inflammation of foot tissues known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a network of ligaments which runs from the ball of the foot to the heel, and is responsible for the arch in the foot. This tissue bears a great deal of our bodyweight, and can therefore become strained, damaged and can even deteriorate over time.
Pain along this region is generally worse first thing in the morning, and individuals with plantar fasciitis often complain of tightness and cramping. As the ligaments stretch, the pain diminishes, but if the individual spends a great deal of time on his or her feet, the irritation returns throughout the day. This inflammation is caused by strain to the tissues along the bottom of the foot and is often accompanied by calcium deposits which form a hook-shaped protrusion on the underside of the heel, known as heel spurs. While heels spurs generally occur around middle age, they can develop at any time. It is the inflammation, rather than the heel spur that is thought to be the main cause of any pain.
Heel spurs can result from letting plantar fasciitis go unaddressed, but are not always caused by this condition. In fact, plenty of people without foot pain have heel spurs. Heel spurs are detectable by x-ray, and because the symptoms are the same for both conditions, the treatment for heel spurs corresponds to that of plantar fasciitis.
The pain of plantar fasciitis and heel spurs can be somewhat alleviated by a brief period of respite. The best thing one can do for this sort of pain is spend a few days off the feet. It that means taking a break from an exercise regimen or taking days off work, then so be it. If it is possible to ride a stationary bike rather than walk or run, or if you are able to work sitting down, then all the better. Denying the body time to heal will only worsen the symptoms, so if you do not make time to rest, you will probably not get any relief from the pain. Ice packs will accelerate your relief by reducing the swelling and inflammation, as well as numbing the pain.
There are also many stretches and exercises you can do to alleviate the pain and irritation in your feet. These exercises, when done regularly, help restore your tissue's elasticity, and will allow the plantar fascia to become more resilient, and less prone to injury. Prescription and over the counter medications are also a consideration, however, these medications can "trick" your body into feeling well enough to go on with your ordinary activity and may ultimately hinder the healing process by preventing rest. Finally, orthotic inserts for your shoes can provide cushion and shock absorption, and make standing and walking more tolerable.
Author Resource:-
www.OSC-Ortho.com is the leading East Coast orthopedic practice. Learn more about the orthopedic services we offer by visiting our website here.
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