What are heel spurs and how do you treat them?

Jul 26, 2019 | General Podiatry

Do you have heel pain? Perhaps you feel pain in your heel first thing in the morning, get intermittent pain while you’re running or walking or tenderness at the bottom of your heel that makes it hard to walk barefoot.

There are several reasons why this pain may occur and one of the reasons is heel spurs.

holding foot caused by heel spur

So, what are heel spurs?

A heel spur is a calcium deposit causing a bony growth under the heel bone. They are frequently associated with plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs are only visible by X-Ray.

image of a heel spur on xray

What causes them?

Heel spurs happen when long-term muscle and ligament strain wears out the soft tissues in the heel. Over time, calcium deposits can build up under the heel. These deposits form bony protrusions, which are heel spurs.

Factors that can cause heel spurs include:

  • Sports – Those activities that place excessive stress on the heel bone and associated muscles and ligaments. Eg. Running, Football, Soccer, Basketball, Netball
  • Flat Feet  & High Arches – Changes in the arch of your foot changes the shock absorption ability on the heel.
  • On your feet – Having a job that requires a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces ie factory workers, teachers and hospitality workers
  • Overweight – Carrying around extra weight increases the strain and stress on your heel.
  • Wearing shoes with poor support.
  • Poor Foot Biomechanics – Result in excessive loads on your heel.

Treatment of heel spurs

Treatment for heel spurs may incorporate a range of options:

Our Podiatrists will be able to tailor a specific rehabilitation plan for you that will incorporate some of the following therapies below:

  • Foot Mobilisation
  • ShockWave Therapy
  • Low Level Laser Therapy
  • Footwear
  • Strapping and Taping
  • Dry Needling
  • Exercises
  • Custom-Made Orthotics

It usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks initially to recover from your heel spur symptoms when adhering to your personalised Rehabilitation Plan.

foot mobilisation image for heel spur treatment

What now?

If you are suffering from heel pain, Moreland Podiatry can provide you with expert advice. We have a range of options to treat heel pain and our extensive range of treatments, the ability to listen and analyse your symptoms sets us as leaders in the treatment of heel pain.

Don’t hesitate to call us or book online – we are conveniently located in Brunswick West.