ACPM Podiatry Group, Ltd./Heel Spurs

Heel Spurs:

The heel bone, the largest bone in the foot, absorbs the most amount of shock and pressure. A heel spur develops as an abnormal growth of the heel bone. Calcium deposits form when the plantar fascia, the long band of tissue that connects the heel to the ball of the foot, pulls away from the heel area, tearing the plantar fascia. These tears are repaired by the body. As this process of tearing and repairing continues, a bone spur forms as the body's response to try to re-attach the fascia to the bone. Heel spurs can cause extreme pain in the rear of the foot, especially while standing or walking. Cause This stretching, and ultimately tearing, of the plantar fascia is usually the result of over-pronation, also called flat feet. People with high arches can also develop heel spurs. Women have a higher incidence of heel spurs due to the types of footwear worn on a regular basis. As we age, the very important fat pad that makes up the fleshy portion of the heel becomes thinner and degenerates. This can lead to inadequate padding on the heel and chronic heel pain, compounding the discomfort of a heel spur. Treatment The key for determining the proper treatment of heel spurs is to determine the cause of the excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. An examination by your podiatric physician will determine the cause of heel pain, and provide you with a treatment plan. When the cause is over-pronation, flat feet, a custom fitted orthotic is an effective device to reduce the over-pronation and promote healing. Other common treatments may include, but are not limited to: stretching exercises, losing weight, wearing shoes that have a cushioned heel to absorb shock, and elevating the heel with the use of a heel cradle or heel cup to increase comfort, orthotic, or prescription anti-inflammatory medicines or cortisone injections to decrease pain. Surgery may be recommended if conservative treatment does not provide pain relief.
Source:	American Podiatric Medical Association The Foot Health Network Medical Multimedia Group