A heel spur is a calcium deposit that forms a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. While heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the plantar fascia, the spur itself is not always the direct cause of pain. Many individuals have heel spurs without experiencing any discomfort.
Understanding Heel Spurs
Heel spurs develop gradually over many months due to repetitive stress and strain on foot muscles and ligaments, and repeated tearing of the membrane covering the heel bone. Common symptoms include sharp pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest, and tenderness in the heel. The pain may also be a dull ache throughout the day or worsen after exercise.
Several factors contribute to the formation of heel spurs. These include walking gait abnormalities that place excessive stress on the heel, running or jogging on hard surfaces, and wearing poorly fitted or worn-out shoes lacking proper arch support. Excess body weight and obesity increase pressure on foot structures, making heel spurs more likely. Certain foot mechanics, such as flat feet or high arches, increase the risk.
Do Heel Spurs Disappear?
A heel spur does not dissolve or disappear on its own once it has formed. However, the pain associated with a heel spur can often resolve with appropriate conservative treatments. The focus of treatment is generally on managing the underlying causes and alleviating symptoms, rather than directly removing the bony growth itself.
Managing Heel Spur Pain
Managing heel spur pain involves non-surgical, conservative treatments. Rest and activity modification, reducing high-impact activities, alleviate acute pain and prevent the condition from worsening. Applying ice packs or cold compresses to the affected area for about 15 minutes, three to four times daily, helps reduce pain and inflammation.
Stretching exercises improve flexibility and reduce tension in the plantar fascia and calf muscles. Examples include calf stretches against a wall, plantar fascia stretches where you pull your toes towards your shin, and rolling your foot over a frozen water bottle. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen manage pain and inflammation.
Supportive footwear with good arch support and cushioning reduces pressure on the heel. Orthotic inserts or heel cups provide additional support, cushioning, and proper alignment. Night splints maintain tension on the plantar fascia while sleeping, helping with morning pain. Physical therapy is also beneficial, incorporating exercises and techniques to improve foot function.
For persistent cases, a healthcare provider might consider medical interventions. Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and pain, though they are not a permanent cure and repeated injections carry risks. Surgery to remove the heel spur or release the plantar fascia is a last resort, considered only if conservative treatments fail after several months.
Preventing Future Heel Spurs
Preventing the formation of new heel spurs or the recurrence of pain involves proactive measures focused on foot health. Wearing properly fitting shoes with shock-absorbent soles and adequate arch support helps prevent heel spurs. Also, choose appropriate footwear for specific physical activities and replace athletic shoes when they show excessive wear.
Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the overall stress placed on the feet, which prevents heel spur development. Incorporating regular stretching exercises for the feet and calves into a daily routine improves flexibility and strength. Avoiding prolonged standing on hard surfaces and gradually increasing activity levels when returning to exercise also minimizes strain on the heels.