Heel spurs

Heel spurs are a very common foot problem in New Zealand, with hundreds of thousands of people suffering each year. A heel spur is a bony growth on the heel bone (calcaneus). The heel spur itself is actually not causing any pain. It is the inflamed tissue around the spur that causes pain and discomfort. Fortunately, for most people there's an effective and affordable treatment solution for heel spurs.

Heel spur symptoms

Most people experience heel spur pain with their first steps out of bed in the morning. It is presented by a sharp stabbing pain at the bottom or front of the heel bone. Usually the heel pain subsides after walking around for a while and it may turn into a dull ache. The sharp pain will return when getting up after sitting or resting for a long period of time.
heel spur

What exactly causes heel spurs?

Heel spurs (and also heel pain) are caused by a very common condition called Plantar Fasciitis. (Latin for inflammation of Plantar Fascia). The Plantar Fascia is the band of tissue under the foot that runs from the toes to the heel bone. It forms the arch of the foot. Normally, the fascia is flexible and strong. However, due to factors such as abnormal stress, excessive weight, age and/or faulty foot function (over-pronation) painful stretching and micro-tearing of the Plantar Fascia may occur. This then leads to inflammation at the point where the Plantar Fascia attaches to the heel bone.

Over time, continuous pulling of the fascia at the heel bone eventually leads to the development of bony growth on the heel. This is called a heel spur or calceneal spur.
heel pain and plantar fascia overly stretched plantar fascia stretching

Treatment and relief from heel spur pain

Short-term treatment solutions for heel spurs include:

• Rest, avoid prolonged activities such as walking, running and sports
• Ice, apply ice onto the heel for about 5 mins, allowing the inflammation to cool down 
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers, containing Ibuprofen

However, research has shown that the most effective long-term solution for heel spurs is treating the cause of the problem. In other words, correcting abnormal foot mechanics with orthotics. Footlogics orthotics are designed to re-align the foot and ankle and to support the arches. The orthotics release the excessive tension on the Plantar Fascia ligaments, treating the cause of Plantar Fasciitis.

In addition, research has shown that orthotics are more effective when combined with some simple, daily heel pain exercises, which can be found here.
Recommended orthotics for heel spurs: