Heel spurs: what is it and how to treat it?
Heel spurs are a painful condition caused by a bony growth on the heel. This occurs due to chronic overloading of the tendon attachments that are attached to the heel. There are two types of heel spurs: the lower heel spur, which occurs on the sole of the foot, and the upper heel spur, which occurs on the Achilles tendon. Both can lead to inflammation and pain in the heel area, which is particularly noticeable after periods of rest or when walking.
Causes and risk factors for heel spurs
The most common causes of heel spurs are:
- Misalignments of the feet, legs or hips, which lead to incorrect strain on the heel
- Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces, which irritates the tendon attachments
- Weak muscles in the foot and lower leg area, affecting the stability of the arch of the foot
- Incorrect execution of sports exercises, which can lead to overstretching or injury to the tendons
- Incorrect footwear that does not provide enough support or cushioning
- Excess weight, which increases pressure on the heel
Risk factors for heel spurs also include:
- Age: With increasing age, the elasticity of the tissue decreases and the bones become more brittle
- Gender: Women are affected more often than men because they wear high-heeled shoes more often
- Illnesses: Certain illnesses such as diabetes, rheumatism or gout can promote the development of heel spurs
Diagnosis and treatment of heel spurs
Heel spurs are usually diagnosed through a physical examination and an x-ray of the heel. The doctor can determine whether there is a bony outgrowth and how big it is. However, not all heel spurs are painful. Some people have heel spurs without even realizing it.
The treatment of heel spurs depends on the severity of the symptoms and the individual findings. In many cases, conservative therapy may be sufficient to relieve pain and promote the healing process. This includes:
- Protection: The heel should be put under as little strain as possible to allow the inflammation to subside
- Cooling: Applying ice or cold compresses can reduce swelling and relieve pain
- Medication: Painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications can be taken temporarily to reduce discomfort
- Insoles: Special insoles can reduce pressure on the heel spur and correct foot position
- Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises can strengthen the muscles, promote blood circulation and improve mobility
- Shock wave therapy: High-energy sound waves are directed at the heel spur to dissolve or shrink it
In rare cases, surgical removal of the heel spur may be necessary if all other measures fail or if the heel spur is very large.
Prevention of heel spurs
To prevent heel spurs or counteract their recurrence, you should follow the following tips:
- Pay attention to body weight and avoid being overweight
- Pay attention to a healthy diet and drink enough fluids
- Maintain good foot hygiene and care for your feet regularly
- Make sure you wear suitable footwear that offers enough space, support and cushioning
- Pay attention to good posture and avoid incorrect strain
- Make sure you exercise in a balanced manner and stretch and warm up your feet before and after exercise
- Make sure you do regular foot exercises to strengthen your muscles and maintain mobility