Heel bone spurs occur when calcium deposits form on the fascia tissue that connects to your heel bone. Heel spurs cause inflammation and pain when walking. Conditions associated with heel spurs include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, poor circulation and obesity. Athletes get heel spurs from constant foot pressure and women who wear high heels increase their chances of developing heel spurs. Heel bone spur treatment includes rest, lifestyle changes and proper foot care.
Rest
Rest and elevate your feet for at least a week. Get an X-ray to measure the severity of your condition. Apply heat to reduce heel bone spur pain. Then, apply ice twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Do this for the first few days. Doctors prescribe medication to reduce inflammation and pain. Use a crutch when walking to keep pressure off the foot and prevent further damage. Return to the doctor if pain does not subside after two or three weeks or rest and pain medication.
Use Orthotic Devices
Use an orthotic device or shoe inserts to cushion your feet. The American Podiatric Medical Association website says orthotic devices help correct biomechanical imbalance, control pronation and support ligaments and tendons in the heel bone. Taping or strapping feet provides additional support.
Get Physical Therapy
Seek physical therapy treatments for heel bone spurs if the pain does not go away. Back and Body Care Physical Therapy Services, a San Francisco-based physical therapy practice, says physical therapists discuss risk factors for heel pain, suggest preventative methods and teach exercises you can do at home to relieve heel pain. Therapists ask you do certain movements to see if you can walk without a limp, and examine your joint movements and muscle flexibility. Treatments include ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massages and stretches.
Wear Proper Shoes
Wear the right shoes for your activity. Make sure your shoes are not too large or too small after you treat heel bone spurs. If your shoes lack cushioning, purchase inserts like Dr. Scholl's foot products. Don't wear high heels every day. Athletes wear shoes appropriate for your activity. Athletic footwear has different constructions based on the sport for which they are designed. Go to a shoe store that specializes in fitting people with foot problems.
Lose Weight
Lose or maintain weight. Obesity causes heel bone spur pain because the extra weight places pressure on the feet. Start your program slowly, trying less stressful activities like walking or water aerobics. Stretch before beginning your activity, focusing on the heel. The American Podiatric Medical Association says to avoid walking on uneven surfaces or stepping on rocks and varying treadmill inclines to prevent pain and injury. If you start hurting, stop exercising. Stretch and cool down after working out. Soak your foot in warm water to loosen tight muscles.
Tags: heel bone, bone spurs, heel spurs, your activity, American Podiatric, American Podiatric Medical
