What is a Heel SpurA heel spur is a bony growth usually found under the heel bone or calcaneus bone. The heel bone (calcaneus) is the largest bone in the foot and plays a big part in taking shock and pressure as we walk and move. It can cause extreme heel pain while walking, standing or with a sudden action such as a jump. When you place your weight on your heel, the pain from a heel spur can be debilitating. How Does a Heel Spur FormThe plantar fascia is a fibrous band that acts as a support platform for the arch. It runs from the heel to the ball-of-the-foot. When foot alignment is poor, this tissue often pulls where it attaches to the heel bone causing micro-tears. When this happens, calcium deposits form and cause a nail-like growth. They develop from the bone and push into the fleshy area of the foot. Individuals who have high arches or flat feet are more prone to developing them. heel cups This is due to the overpronation or oversupination that often occurs due to the poor biomechanical form the feet often take with these conditions. Women may be more likely than men to develop a heel spur due to their choice of footwear. How Can I Best Treat A Heel SpurTemporary treatment for relief of pain from may include elevating the foot, rest and applying ice to reduce inflammation. These treatments however are only temporary and do not offer a long term solution. If flat feet or high arches are causing the development of a spur, your doctor may prescribe foot orthotics or arch supports. Foot orthotics (arch supports) help to distribute your weight more evenly upon impact and can cushion your heel to help reduce the pain you are experiencing Instant Breast Lift Up Tapes. Heel spur pads can be added to orthotic insoles (arch supports) to take pressure away from the problem area as well. For added relief, heel cradles or heel cups may be used. Your doctor may recommend shedding any extra pounds you are carrying and choosing appropriate footwear. When searching for shoes, make sure you select a pair that has a cushioned sole to help absorb shock, but is stable enough to be supportive and help control foot alignment. If these methods do not provide relief, an injection of cortisone can help decrease the inflammation of the plantar fascia, or surgery to remove it is sometimes performed. . However, many problems can occur with these methods, so they are used as a last resort. More conservative methods like foot orthotics are the treatment of choice. A newer treatment that is sometimes helpful is called extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). It induces microtrauma to the tissue around the problem area. This is done hoping to stimulate a tissue repair process by the body's natural defenses. With the more aggressive forms of heel spur treatment like surgery, injections, or ESWT it is very important that any biomechanical problems that could cause the heel spur to return are treated with the use of foot orthotics designed for heel spurs.
09/05/2011
