Summary about Disease
A heel spur is a bony growth that protrudes from the underside of the heel bone (calcaneus). It's often associated with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. While heel spurs themselves aren't always painful, they can contribute to heel pain and discomfort. Many people have heel spurs without experiencing any symptoms.
Symptoms
Sharp pain in the heel, especially in the morning or after rest.
Dull ache in the heel throughout the day.
Tenderness to the touch on the bottom of the heel.
Inflammation and swelling in the front of the heel.
Warm to the touch.
A visible bony protrusion is rare.
Causes
Straining foot muscles and ligaments.
Repetitive activities like running or jumping.
Wearing poorly fitting shoes, especially those lacking arch support.
Excess weight or obesity.
Tight Achilles tendons.
Foot arch problems (flat feet or high arches).
Arthritis.
Aging.
Incorrect posture.
Medicine Used
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroids can be injected into the heel to reduce inflammation and pain. This is generally a short-term solution.
Custom orthotics: custom arch support helps to support the foot.
Is Communicable
No, heel spurs are not communicable. They are not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Wear supportive shoes with good arch support.
Use custom or over-the-counter orthotics.
Stretch your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid activities that aggravate your heel pain.
Rest your feet when they are sore.
Consider using ice packs to reduce inflammation.
Avoid high heels.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of heel spur symptoms varies widely. Some people experience pain for a few weeks, while others have chronic pain that lasts for months or even years. The length of time depends on the severity of the underlying cause (often plantar fasciitis), how quickly treatment is started, and individual factors.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Examination: A doctor will examine your foot, assess your symptoms, and check for tenderness.
X-rays: X-rays can confirm the presence of a heel spur and rule out other conditions, such as stress fractures.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary greatly. In some cases, the pain may develop gradually over weeks or months. In other cases, the pain may appear suddenly, especially after a period of increased activity. Initially pain is usually in the morning.
Early Stages: Mild pain in the heel, especially in the morning or after rest.
Progression: Pain worsens with activity and can become constant.
Chronic Stage: Heel pain persists, limiting activity and causing discomfort throughout the day.
Important Considerations
Many people have heel spurs but never experience pain.
Heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis, and treatment should address both conditions.
Conservative treatments (e.g., rest, ice, stretching, orthotics) are usually effective.
Surgery is rarely necessary for heel spurs.
If you experience persistent heel pain, seek medical advice.