What is a Heel Spur?

Are you experiencing pain when you stand up in the morning? Perhaps you have a heel spur. This is a condition that results from the build-up of calcium deposits on the bone. This can happen due to repeated stress on the plantar fascia present in your foot. What results is a bony protrusion, which is referred to as a heel spur. Around one in 10 people can have a heel spur.

If you are experiencing discomfort around the heel, as well as some inflammation, you can have heel spur syndrome. Essentially, this is when you are experiencing everything that is associated with a heel spur but has not yet had it confirmed by a doctor through an x-ray.

What are the Symptoms?

As heel spurs develop, you are going to know about them. For example, a lot of people will feel pain when they are putting pressure on their heel. You might have intermittent discomfort or this can become chronic. In addition, the pain can be felt on the sole of the foot too. There is also the possibility that you see a protrusion from your heel or foot arch. This is the bone spur. This can be accompanied by swelling and inflammation.

When Should I Go to the Doctor?

At first, some people do not realise that they have a heel spur. But the pain soon makes them apparent and this can be present in the heel or arch of the foot. This is when you should go to the doctor. In addition, you may notice that there is a solid, bony protrusion from your foot. Again, this is another sign it is time to seek diagnosis. A doctor will be able to perform an x-ray to take a look.

What is the Treatment for Heel Spurs?

A foot specialist is going to be able to recommend the best treatment for heel spurs. In the meantime, there are some home remedies that can help to relieve the pain and discomfort you are feeling. For example, you can apply a cold compress to the heel and you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which are anti-inflammatory medications. You can also enjoy some relief with orthotic shoe inserts. Correcting your gait can also be beneficial, and it can lower the risk of new spurs forming. If your heel spurs are bad, the doctor might recommend you have surgery to remove them.