What are Heel Spurs?
Patients and healthcare providers usually swap the two conditions plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Despite the fact that these two conditions are associated they are not similar.
Plantar fasciitis is the swelling of the plantar fascia, which is found in the arch of the foot while heel spur is the one found in the heel bone. A heel spur is usually related to plantar fasciitis.
Approximately 70% of people suffering from plantar fasciitis will also have heel spurs that can only be confirmed using an X-ray. Even though, many people that do not show any symptoms may have a heel spur. The precise relation between plantar fasciitis and heel spur is not fully known.
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Signs and Symptoms of Heel Spurs
Even though it may develop slowly as a problem sometimes takes years. However, once it really appears, it may lead to terrible suffering. For the reason that the spur is near the tendons, it is a cause of constant pain. The feeling has been defined as similar to having a toothache in the foot. When you are standing and placing your body weight on the heel, the pain is so severe that you cannot stand and walk.
The pain brought about by a heel spur is not because of the weight or the pressure on the spur rather is brought about by the swelling near the tendons that are connected to the heel bone. You might assume that the pain will increase as you stand and walk, but in reality, it diminishes. The pain is at its highest point after resting and you started to walk. This is because the nerves and the small blood vessels adjust to the condition while you walk. Once you take a rest, these nerves and small blood vessels also rest.
After that, as you start to walk again, more pressure is given to the nerves and small blood vessels leading to pain and this pain will again diminish once they become adjusted again. If so much pressure has been given on the foot previously, the pain will also be more increase. An abrupt pressure, brought by jumping can also heighten the pain. The pain can be felt locally, but with continuous walking and prolonged standing, it will soon result in the whole heel turning out to be painful and tender.
Treatment For Heel Spurs
The management of heel spurs is similar to the management of plantar fasciitis. The reason that these conditions are associated, with the management is similar. The initial step in the management of a heel spur is temporary rest and swelling control. The following are the needed steps that you should follow so that you will recover from the symptoms of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis as well:
Rest
The best treatment for heel spurs is to avoid any activities that worsen symptoms. For instance, take a day off from prolonged standing and walking and try to rest temporarily your painful foot. Resting alone typically aids in the elimination of excruciating pain and will permit the inflammation to alleviate and recover.
Ice Application
Ice will lessen some of the symptoms and the pain. Ice is particularly beneficial following a sudden worsening of symptoms.
Exercises for Heel Spurs
Stretching and exercises for heel spurs will allow the relaxation of the tissues nearby the heel bone. Simply exercising and stretching during the day and at night usually aid people to feel healthier fast.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Heel Spurs
Anti-inflammatory drugs for heel spurs can facilitate the control of pain and swelling. Over-the-counter drugs are typically enough, however, prescription drugs are better.
Shoe for Heel Spurs
Having shoe inserts in your shoes is usually the key to the successful management of plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. The shoe inserts usually allow the person to have his or her normal routine without suffering from pain.
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Using Night Splints
These are usually worn during sleeping to keep the heel stretched. They avoid the foot’s arch to become flexed during the night and therefore it will lessen the pain in the morning. Just the night splints will usually treat the pain from plantar fasciitis. Bear in mind that the symptoms will not settle fast. Usually, the relief will be felt after three months of use. If the pain does not go away, a cortisone injection can lessen the swelling of plantar fasciitis.
Nevertheless, many doctors do not want to inject cortisone near the heel for the reason that it can possibly cause a more severe problem. It can possibly lead to fat pad atrophy or rupture of the plantar fascia or the foot’s arch. These two conditions happen rarely, however, if they happen they can aggravate the symptoms. The latest management for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis is being studied. This is called extracorporeal shock wave therapy. It makes use of energy to stimulate microtrauma to the tissue near the heel spur.
This microtrauma is believed to stimulate the tissue healing process by the body. It is advised in people who have previously tried other treatments, but it is not successful and is for surgery. Surgery is the last resort for heel spur and plantar fasciitis.
