Heel spur – severe pain on weight-bearing
What is a heel spur?
A heel spur is a bony projection on the underside of the calcaneus that develops from overload and irritation of the tissue. It is a common problem in people who must stand or walk for long periods on hard surfaces, such as athletes or those working in hospitality or retail.
Causes of a heel spur
A heel spur occurs when the tissue on the underside of the heel, the plantar fascia tissue, is overloaded and irritated. The causes of this overload can vary and may occur individually or in combination.
The most common cause of a heel spur is overload of the tissue from prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces. Obesity, flat feet and poor posture can also contribute to the development of a heel spur. In addition, improper or ill-fitting footwear can increase the risk.
Overload from prolonged standing or walking
One of the most common causes of a heel spur is overload of the plantar fascia tissue from prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces. Occupations that require long hours on hard floors, such as waiters, salespeople or nurses, have a higher risk of developing a heel spur.
Obesity
Overweight and obesity increase the risk of a heel spur, as the additional weight places extra load on the plantar fascia tissue.
Flat feet or high arch
Flat feet or a high foot arch can increase the risk of a heel spur, as they affect the loading of the plantar fascia tissue.
Improper footwear
Wearing shoes with poor cushioning or support can lead to overload of the plantar fascia tissue and increase the risk of a heel spur.
Symptoms of a heel spur
Most people with a heel spur experience pain on the underside of the heel, particularly when walking or standing. The pain can be worst when rising after a prolonged rest period, for example in the morning after waking. Sometimes the tissue may also become inflamed, leading to swelling and redness of the heel.
Treatment of a heel spur
A heel spur can be very painful and significantly impair quality of life. Fortunately, there are many treatment options to relieve pain and address the heel spur.
Most heel spurs can be treated with conservative measures. These include:
Rest and avoidance of overuse
One of the most important measures in treating a heel spur is to avoid overloading and irritating the heel. This means taking a break from activities that can cause or worsen the heel spur, such as prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces. It is also advisable to choose activities that are less stressful for the heel, such as swimming or cycling.
Ice therapy
Another effective method to relieve pain is ice therapy. You can apply ice packs to the painful area or use an ice roller to massage the heel. The cold reduces pain and inflammation.
Footwear and insole changes
Wearing shoes with a soft sole and good cushioning can reduce pain and relieve the heel. Orthotic insoles or shoe inserts can also help reduce pressure on the heel and alleviate pain.
Stretching exercises and physical therapy
Stretching exercises and physical therapy can also help reduce pain. A physiotherapist can recommend specific stretches to lengthen and relax the plantar fascia tissue. Massage or other manual therapies can also be beneficial.
Pain medication
Pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation. However, it is important not to exceed the recommended dosage and to use the medications only for a short period.
Injection therapy
In some cases, an injection therapy with corticosteroid medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. This therapy should only be performed by a qualified physician and is not suitable for every patient.
Surgical treatment
In rare cases, surgical treatment may be necessary if conservative methods are not effective. During the operation, the heel spur is removed and the plantar fascia tissue is relieved.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the heel spur. However, this is only required in severe cases when other treatments have not been successful.
Prevention of a heel spur
There are several measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of a heel spur. Here are some prevention tips:
Choosing the right shoes
It is important to wear shoes that fit well and provide good cushioning. Shoes with hard soles or excessively high heels can increase pressure on the heel and raise the risk of a heel spur. Choose shoes with a soft sole and good cushioning to relieve the heel.
Warm-up and stretching
Before engaging in physical activity, you should always warm up and stretch. Warming up can improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of injury. Stretching exercises can help to stretch and strengthen the plantar fascia tissue.
Avoiding overload
It is important to avoid overloading and irritating the heel. Avoid activities that can cause or worsen a heel spur, such as prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces. It is also advisable to choose activities that are less stressful on the heel, such as swimming or cycling.
Weight control
Being overweight can increase the risk of a heel spur because it raises the pressure on the heel. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help control body weight and reduce the risk of developing a heel spur.
Good posture
Poor posture can increase the risk of a heel spur. Make sure to maintain good posture to reduce pressure on the heel. Avoid working or sitting in a bent-forward position for prolonged periods.
Regular foot care
Regular foot care can help reduce the risk of a heel spur. Wear comfortable shoes and ensure your feet are clean and dry. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight and use insoles or padding to reduce pressure on the heel.
Regular exercise and physical activity
Regular exercise and physical activity can help reduce the risk of a heel spur.
A heel spur can be very painful and substantially impair quality of life. Fortunately, there are several treatment options to relieve pain and address the heel spur, as well as practical preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing a heel spur.