Heel Spurs: Symptoms, Risk Factors And Treatments

by Jill Hunter Podiatry Paediatrics

Spurs on the heels can occur on their own or as a result of an underlying health problem. People frequently think that heel spurs are to blame for any heel discomfort, however other reasons might also contribute to heel pain. According to professional podiatrists in Perth, symptoms of heel spurs may vary. In this article, we are going to discuss major symptoms, risk factors and treatments of heel spurs.

Heel spurs symptoms:

Sharp and chronic pain in the morning
A dull ache around the heel
Inflammation & swelling at the heel front
The visible and small bone-like protrusion at the heel
Tenderness at the heel

Heel spur is a common foot pain that occurs around your heel. Let’s discuss major symptoms, risk factors and treatments of it.

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Risk factors:

Several things may maximise the risk of occurring heel spurs. These include:

Athletic activities: Jumping and running may wear down the arch and heel of the foot.
Frequent exercise: Frequently running, jumping, jogging or walking on hard surfaces can wear down a portion of the heel
Trauma to the heel: Bruising the heel as well as membrane tearing may lead to heel spurs
Ageing: According to the studies, heel spurs are mostly in older people
Overweight: Research also says that heel spurs can be related to obesity or excessive overweight
Wearing improper footwear: Frequently wearing improper and tight shoes may lead to heel spurs.

Apart from that, several underlying medical conditions can cause heel spurs, including

Ankylosing spondylitis
Plantar fasciitis
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
Reactive arthritis or Reiter’s disease

How to treat heel spurs?

Rest: Resting and removing pressure from the feet might assist to alleviate discomfort and swelling in the afflicted area of your heel.
Applying ice: An ice pack will help minimise chronic pain & swelling.
Using shoe inserts (custom-made orthotics): Custom-made orthotics or shoe inserts help to decrease chronic pain around the heel.
Wearing well-cushioned shoes: Wearing well-cushioned shoes and soft footwear will help to relieve excess pressure & reduce pain.
Anti-inflammatory medication: Anti-inflammatory medication can reduce swelling.
Cortisone injections: Cortisone injections can be applied to recover heel spurs. Doctor’s consultancy and prescription are required for it.

In some cases, surgery can be necessary to recover the heel spur. However, if you experience chronic pain around your heel, call the professional podiatrists near you. They will easily diagnose the problem and give you the right solution.