Heel Spurs

This is a common ailment that causes severe foot pain. Heel spurs are the result of a certain ligament, the plantar fascia, pulling away from the heel. The plantar fascia is the ligament that runs the length of the bottom of your foot. A hook of bone made of calcium deposits develops on the heel bone when this ligament stretches away from the heel.

Intense pain occurs in the rear of your foot, especially while standing or walking. Usually, heel spurs occur because of flat feet or unusually high arches.

Heel spurs are easily treated, but they vary depending on what exactly is the cause. If the plantar fascia ligament has stretched due to flat feet, then doctors usually recommend an orthotic with rearfoot posting and longitudinal arch support. This will help to reduce the over-pronation that flat feet cause.

Other treatments for heel spurs are:

• stretching exercises
• rest
• elevating the heel with a heel cradle, heel cup or orthotic
• losing weight
• putting ice packs onto the affected area
• shoes with cushioned heels to absorb shock
• anti-inflammatory medicine

Keep in mind that heel spurs generally develop gradually. You will experience pain in your heel especially after taking the first steps out of bed in the morning or after a long rest. The situation will continue to worsen if you don't completely rest the plantar fascia ligament! Aggravating factors such as walking, standing, running and jumping contribute to the pain and inflammation that heel spurs cause. And healing can only occur if you give the ligament a rest from these repetitive stresses.