Heel Spur
Approximately 10 per cent of the population may have heel spurs without any heel pain. Whilst recent research has raised the question of whether or not heel spurs are the result of the body trying to increase its base of support, heel spurs are still considered to be the result of increased strain on the muscles of the foot (in particular the plantar fascia). It is suggested that this may occur due to biomechanical imbalances, such as over pronation, that require increased muscle activity for everyday function.
Other theories related directly to the cause of heel pain include its formation as a direct result from continuous plantar fasciitis / plantar fasciosis which leads to a calcium deposit where the fascia tissue band connects to the heel bone.
Diagnosis and imaging for heel spurs
A heel spur is often seen on X-ray as a bony protrusion, which can vary in size. However, because a Heel Spur only indicates increased load on the plantar fascia, and not pain, an ultra sound may be required to assess whether or not the plantar fascia is inflamed or degenerated, and thus causing pain.
Treatment for heel spurs
Since heel spurs are not an indication of pain themselves unless fractured, treatment is usually aimed at the cause of the pain which in many cases is plantar fasciosis. Treatment of plantar fasciiosis includes; rest until the pain subsides, special stretching exercises and if required, orthotics may be prescribed. For more information on how to treat heel spurs/plantar fasciiosis click here.
Related Articles:
Plantar Fasciopathy
Heel pain
Running Shoes
Sports Section
Orthotics
Plantar Fasciitis vs Plantar Fasciosis
Other theories related directly to the cause of heel pain include its formation as a direct result from continuous plantar fasciitis / plantar fasciosis which leads to a calcium deposit where the fascia tissue band connects to the heel bone.
Diagnosis and imaging for heel spurs
A heel spur is often seen on X-ray as a bony protrusion, which can vary in size. However, because a Heel Spur only indicates increased load on the plantar fascia, and not pain, an ultra sound may be required to assess whether or not the plantar fascia is inflamed or degenerated, and thus causing pain.
Treatment for heel spurs
Since heel spurs are not an indication of pain themselves unless fractured, treatment is usually aimed at the cause of the pain which in many cases is plantar fasciosis. Treatment of plantar fasciiosis includes; rest until the pain subsides, special stretching exercises and if required, orthotics may be prescribed. For more information on how to treat heel spurs/plantar fasciiosis click here.
Related Articles:
Plantar Fasciopathy
Heel pain
Running Shoes
Sports Section
Orthotics
Plantar Fasciitis vs Plantar Fasciosis
