Heel spurs are a very painful condition that can cause many problems, especially when it comes to mobility. A occurs when a piece of bone forms a hook on the heel bone, causing tremendous pain when walking. However, you can't hope to receive treatment for your heel spur without knowing first what causes the condition. Then, you can approach various cures and pain relief options that will be available to you.
Causes of Heel Spurs
Plantar fasciitis often occurs in association with and may even be the cause of this bony outgrowth. The plantar fascia is a thick ligament that connects the ball of the foot to the heel. When this ligament is inflamed and irritated, plantar fasciitis results. This condition makes it very likely that you will develop heel spurs, especially if you've had it for an extended period of time. Having flat arches or very high arches can also place stress on the ligament and create inflammation. A tightened calf muscle can also place strain on the plantar fascia, creating irritation and possibly a heel spur.
Ice the Area
A good way to ease the pain associated with heel spurs is to apply ice packs regularly. This can help the area to become less inflamed and temporarily relieve the pain. This is especially effective after your heel spur has been aggravated by a day of walking around, for instance.
Pain Relievers
A good way to deal with the symptoms of heel spurs is to take an anti-inflammatory medication. Over-the-counter medications usually work, but if your pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe a stronger version of these anti-inflammatory drugs.
Take Time Off
One of the best ways to deal with heel spurs is to stay away from any activities or movements that cause you pain. If your heel spur is acting up, take a break from your regular exercise routine for a few days. Resting is usually the best way to relieve your symptoms and get moving again.
Stretching
To relieve pain in the arch of your foot and in the heel, you can perform stretching exercises to regain motion. This will help to relax the ligament connecting your heel and the ball of your foot and reduce the strain placed on the heel. This then reduces the inflammation around the heel spur. To perform this stretch, sit with your legs straight out in front of you. Flex your feet and then point them to loosen the ligament. You can also perform a lunge to stretch the arch of your foot. Step with your right foot in front of your body, then drop your entire body down so that the arch of your left foot gets a good stretch.
Splints
In some cases, patients are required to wear splints at night to help keep the arch of the foot stretched. This prevents one of the most common problems in people with heel spurs, which is the contraction of the arch during the night.
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