Help for Heel Spurs

by Angel Lynn Diamond | More from this Blogger

08 May 2009 05:28 PM

Getting out of bed one morning you plant your feet on the floor and begin to take a step. Pain shoots through your foot and you realize that you have a problem. This pain could be due to a calcaneal spur, better known as a heel spur. The inflamed area around the tendons where your heel bone meets is likely the culprit. This calcaneal spur is caused by calcium growth from the bone into the foot and it is painful.

The calcium growth develops due anatomical changes of stress on the bone of the heel. This, in turn, causes a calcification of the soft tissue and thus creates a heel spur. The most common age of occurrence is in the 40 and over age group. It occurs in both men and women and can sometimes be related to arthritis and poor circulation, as well as other degenerative disturbances.

Walking with a heel spur is actually relieving to it. It is after resting and then resuming walking that the pain is worsened. This is because your capillaries and nerves will adapt to the movement, but after resting them they need to become accustomed to the movement all over again. A forceful pressure or stress, such as in jumping or running is not recommended, as it will increase the pain.

The diagnosis of a heel spur is seen quite clearly upon an x-ray examination. Elevating the foot and applying heat will calm the painful heel. Cushioning of the heel is also recommended, as it will force the foot to move in a different position and take the stress off the area that is causing the pain.

Other modalities of treatment that may be recommended for heel spurs are various types of therapies, orthotics, and/or surgery.

If you feel that the above describes your symptoms of heel pain it is recommended that you see a podiatrist to determine your exact diagnosis. Your podiatrist can suggest an appropriate course of treatment to alleviate your painful foot problems.

Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health.

Learn more about Angel Lynn Diamond

I am a mom to my precious one and only, a nurse in a heartwarming adult living facility, and a freelance writer.

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