Heel spurs are bony protrusions that form at the base of your heel, often caused by plantar fasciitis or repetitive straining activities. They can cause severe discomfort and be quite painful as calcium deposits accumulate on the underside of your heel bone. Improperly fitted footwear, weak muscles in your feet and ankles, or overuse from exercise may increase the chances of developing a heel spur; however, proper maintenance can help to prevent its occurrence.
Heel spurs can cause discomfort ranging from a dull ache to sharp pain in the heel area. Standing or walking for extended periods may worsen the symptoms, yet, starting to stand after sitting for long periods can create burning sensations in your feet. In more extreme cases, swelling and tenderness will be felt along with difficulty supporting any weight on that foot. Treatment options range from conservative measures such as rest, ice therapy, and physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles around your heels.
If these methods prove unsuccessful, then surgery may be recommended by a medical professional. Recovery time depends on each patient’s case. However, sufficient downtime must be taken between activities that aggravate symptoms so that healing can occur without extra damage being inflicted upon the body. Once the cause of the issue is identified, your podiatrist can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may include orthotics, lifestyle and exercise changes, or medications to reduce inflammation and pain levels. Surgery is an option for those with severe cases of heel spurs that do not respond to other treatments.