Heel spur – causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention

Heel spur, also known as plantar fasciitis, is a painful condition that affects many people. In this article we will discuss what a heel spur is, its causes, symptoms and effective methods of treatment and prevention. Also learn about exercises, ointments, and pads that can help relieve pain.

Heel spur – what is it?

Heel spur, also called plantar spur, is a condition characterized by sharp pain in the heel area, especially when walking or placing the foot on the ground. It is the result of irritation or damage to the plantar fascia, which is a band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the toes.

Causes of plantar fasciitis

The causes of heel spurs can be various. The most common are:

• Excessive stress on the foot, for example in people who work standing or play sports that require a lot of leg effort.
• Unsuitable footwear that does not provide adequate support for the foot.
• Obesity, which increases the load on the foot.
• Poor postural and gait habits that can result in improper weight bearing on the foot.
• Cerebral radiation associated with untreated other diseases.

Heel spur – symptoms

Symptoms of heel spurs can be very troublesome. The most common of them are:

• Severe pain in the heel area, especially after the first steps in the morning.
• Pain that gets worse when walking for a long time or putting your foot on a hard surface.
• Hardening or thickening around the heel.
• Pain that increases when bending the toes towards the calf.

Heel spur – treatment

Treating a heel spur can be long-term, but there are many effective methods that can help relieve the pain and speed up the healing process. Here are some recommendations:

• Ointments and creams: Ointments containing painkillers or anti-inflammatory substances can help relieve pain.
• Exercise: Performing specific exercises that stretch the calf muscles and plantar fascia can help reduce tension.
• Orthopedic insoles: Wearing shoe inserts can improve foot support and reduce pressure on the plantar fascia.
• Physiotherapy: A physiotherapy specialist can help develop an individual rehabilitation program.
• Shockwave Therapy: This is an innovative treatment method that can speed up the healing of the plantar fascia.

Heel spur – exercises

Exercises are important in the treatment of heel spurs. Here are some examples:

• Calf stretching exercise: Stand on the stairs, resting on the edges of the steps. Lower the heel of one leg down to stretch your calf muscle. Repeat several times on both legs.
• Exercise to strengthen foot muscles: Place a scarf or towel on the floor and try to collect it with your foot, lifting it up.

Plantar fascia – prevention

To avoid the occurrence of heel spurs or alleviate its symptoms, it is worth using preventive measures. Here are some tips:

• Avoid overloading your foot: Try not to overload your foot, especially during physical activity.
• Wearing appropriate footwear: Choose shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning.
• Regular stretching: Performing exercises that stretch the muscles of the foot and calf can prevent heel spurs.
• Monitor your weight: Maintain a healthy weight to avoid putting too much weight on your feet.

Heel spur – home remedies

If you suffer from heel spurs, you can also use home remedies to relieve the pain:

• Apply ice packs: Ice can help reduce inflammation and pain. Apply it to the painful area for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
• Massage: A gentle massage around the heel can help loosen tight tissues.
• Rest: Give your foot time to rest and avoid excessive load.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of heel spurs, we also recommend reading other articles on this topic, which may provide you with additional information and advice on the treatment and prevention of this condition.

Your suggestions

We hope this article has provided you with some knowledge about heel spurs and how to treat and prevent them. If you have any suggestions or questions about this topic, we will be happy to answer them and include them in future articles.

Don’t forget that in case of severe heel pain, it is always worth consulting a doctor who can recommend appropriate treatment and diagnostic methods.