Find Out How To Protect Against Calcaneal Spur

Overview

Bone spurs are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones. Bone spurs (osteophytes) often form where bones meet each other – in your joints. They can also form on the bones of your spine. The main cause of bone spurs is the joint damage associated with osteoarthritis. Most bone spurs cause no symptoms and may go undetected for years. They may not require treatment. Decisions about treatment depend on where spurs are situated and how they affect your health.

Causes

You are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis and heel spurs if you are Active. Sports that place excessive stress on the heel bone and attached tissue, especially if you have tight calf muscles or a stiff ankle from a previous ankle sprain, which limits ankle movement eg. running, ballet dancing and aerobics. Overweight. Carrying around extra weight increases the strain and stress on your plantar fascia. Pregnant. The weight gain and swelling associated with pregnancy can cause ligaments to become more relaxed, which can lead to mechanical problems and inflammation. On your feet. Having a job that requires a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces ie factory workers, teachers and waitresses. Flat Feet or High Foot Arches. Changes in the arch of your foot changes the shock absorption ability and can stretch and strain the plantar fascia, which then has to absorb the additional force. Middle-Aged or Older. With ageing the arch of your foot may begin to sag – putting extra stress on the plantar fascia. Wearing shoes with poor support. Weak Foot Arch Muscles. Muscle fatigue allows your plantar fascia to overstress and cause injury. Arthritis. Some types of arthritis can cause inflammation in the tendons in the bottom of your foot, which may lead to plantar fasciitis. Diabetes. Although doctors don’t know why, plantar fasciitis occurs more often in people with diabetes.

Symptoms

Heel spur and plantar fasciitis pain usually begins in the bottom of the heel, and frequently radiates into the arch. At times, however, the pain may be felt only in the arch. The pain is most intense when first standing, after any period of rest. Most people with this problem experience their greatest pain in the morning, with the first few steps after sleeping. After several minutes of walking, the pain usually becomes less intense and may disappear completely, only to return later with prolonged walking or standing. If a nerve is irritated due to the swollen plantar fascia, this pain may radiate into the ankle. In the early stages of Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis, the pain will usually subside quickly with getting off of the foot and resting. As the disease progresses, it may take longer periods of time for the pain to subside.

Diagnosis

A Heel Spur diagnosis is made when an X-ray shows a hook of bone protruding from the bottom of the foot at the point where the plantar fascia is attached to the heel bone. The plantar fascia is the thick, connective tissue that runs from the calcaneus (heel bone) to the ball of the foot. This strong and tight tissue helps maintain the arch of the foot. It is also one of the major transmitters of weight across the foot as you walk or run. In other words, tremendous stress is placed on the plantar fascia.

Non Surgical Treatment

Only in rare cases do the symptoms of heel spurs fail to be resolved through conservative treatment. Conservative treatment, although not 100% effective, is successful in most cases and should be given ample time to work. In many cases, conservative methods should be utilized as long as a year depending on the rate at which your body responds to the treatment. When treatment is unsuccessful, surgery may be considered. A common surgical procedure for this condition is plantar fascia release surgery. In this procedure, the tension of the plantar fascia ligament is released, lessening tension in the heel and helping to prevent damage.

Surgical Treatment

When chronic heel pain fails to respond to conservative treatment, surgical treatment may be necessary. Heel surgery can provide pain relief and restore mobility. The type of procedure used is based on examination and usually consists of releasing the excessive tightness of the plantar fascia, called a plantar fascia release. The procedure may also include removal of heel spurs.

Prevention

Heel Spur symptoms can be prevented from returning by wearing proper shoes and using customized orthotics and insoles to relieve pressure. It is important to perform your exercises to help keep your foot stretched and relaxed.

What Are The Signals Of Calcaneal Spur

Overview

One of the conditions of the heel that can cause a lot of inconvenience is the development of heel spurs. A heel spur is the growth of calcium deposit on the heel bone. This deposit can become a bony protrusion and can cause a great deal of discomfort and pain when standing or walking.

Causes

Some causes of heel spurs include abnormal or lopsided walking, which places excessive stress on the heel bone, ligaments and nerves Running, jogging or jumping, especially on hard surfaces. Poorly fitted or badly worn shoes, especially those lacking appropriate arch support, excess weight and obesity.

Symptoms

Although it may take years to become a problem, once it appears, it may cause considerable suffering. Because of proximity to the tendons, the spur is a source of continuous painful aching. The sensation has been described as “a toothache in the foot.” When you place your weight on the heel, the pain can be sufficient to immobilize you.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will discuss your medical history and will examine your foot and heel for any deformities and inflammation (swelling, redness, heat, pain). He/she will analyze your flexibility, stability, and gait (the way you walk). Occasionally an x-ray or blood tests (to rule out diseases or infections) may be requested.

Non Surgical Treatment

Ice and use arch support . If you can localize the spur, cut a hole in a pad of felt and lay the hole over the spur. This supports the area around the spur and reduces pressure on it. Massage the spur. Start gently with your thumb and gradually increase the pressure until you?re pushing hard directly on the spur with your knuckle or another firm object. Even it if hurts, it should help. Arch support. Build up an arch support system in your shoes. Try to equalize the pressure of your body weight throughout your arch and away from the plantar area. Use a ?cobra pad? or other device that supports the arch but releases pressure on the painful area. If homemade supports do not work, see a podiatrist about custom orthotics.

Surgical Treatment

Almost 90% of the people suffering from heel spur get better with nonsurgical treatments. However, if the conservative treatments do not help you and you still have pain even after 9 to 12 months, your doctor may advise surgery for treating heel spur. The surgery helps in reducing the pain and improving your mobility. Some of the surgical techniques used by doctors are release of the plantar fascia. Removal of a spur. Before the surgery, the doctor will go for some pre-surgical tests and exams. After the operation, you will need to follow some specific recommendations which may include elevation of the foot, waiting time only after which you can put weight on the foot etc.

How Much Is Heel Spur Surgery

Heel spurs are formed as the body’s response to tight ligaments. Dancing and running are also common culprits since these activities puts much stress on the feet. Many times, people also have this problem for fear of becoming overweight. Those who insist on wearing poorly fitted shoes also are at risk. Tight shoes can cause spur formations if the practice continues. If you are suffering from this problem and wish to know all possible heel spur treatments, visit your doctor now. Your physician can suggest remedies that will help you deal with your situation. He or she can also direct you to a specialist in case you need further care.

Though it’s unquestionably a painful disorder, the good news is that many cases can be successfully treated via very conservative means. The associated foot pain and swelling are often treated by methods no more aggressive than ice packs or over-the-counter medications like aspirin, and future flare-ups can sometimes be prevented simply by means of stretching exercises or the purchase of shoes with proper arch support. It is possible to prevent heel spurs. Wear well-fitting shoes with shock-absorbent soles, rigid shanks, and supportive heel counters. Also wear proper shoes for each physical activity. Always warm up and complete stretching exercises before each activity and pace yourself during activities.

Do you have arch or heel pain? Do you get up in the morning and feel a sharp stabbing pain in your heel with the first step you take? Is it getting worse every day, especially the morning after a run? It may be plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome. If you feel any sharp pains or tearing during running, stop immediately. It could be a plantar fascial tear which will really affect your running and may cause you to stop running altogether for at least two months. If these things don’t help, it’s time to see a podiatrist!

Most patients respond well to these therapies and treatments and do not need a surgical procedure. Some patients however may actually require surgery and that will be determined after all other methods of relief and treatment are tried and non effective. No matter the outcome of the therapy this is a long-term treatment and should be used if any pain returns. Wearing supportive shoes and being at an ideal weight are two ways to guarantee long-term relieve of Plantar Fasciitis along with practicing the exercises given above. 17.Get a regular massage. Massage can really help with delayed muscle soreness and fatigue from the abnormal stress from high heeled shoes.

Wearing loose and comfortable footwear is suggested for managing heel pain. Sports shoes with even cushioning for the sole are better alternatives to other footwear options. If the pain symptoms of bruised heel still persist, using heel pads or shoe insert is suggested. These are worn along with shoes for shock absorption, and supporting the calcaneus and other tarsal bones of the foot. In addition, they give a protective effect to the fat pads too. With proper care, the bruised heel bone symptoms will subside gradually. Learn more on healing a bruise

There are numerous treatments that can be used to cure the problem of heel spurs like medicines, injections and footcare products. Most of the treatments do not produce immediate results and a person has to wait for a week or two to see the results. Some common treatments are the application of a cold press, taping, strapping and rest. Doctors generally use anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid injections to reduce the inflammation. There are also many heel spur products that can be used to reduce the inflammation and stretch the muscles. Some of these products are insoles, night splints, heel seats etc.

There are 26 bones in each of your feet and the heel bone or calcaneus is the largest one. There are over 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments in the foot and 33 joints. All of these are exposed to outside influences such as your shoes and the ground we walk on. So our choices of where we work, what surface of floor we have in our homes and what type of shoes we wear will all influence whether or not we have pain in our heels. One of the effective home remedies for heel spur is the consumption of the foods in large quantity which are rich in calcium.