Footnotes / Blog
How Do Heel Spurs Cause Heel Pain?
Heel pain is a common condition that can result from a variety of factors, including excessive stress on the heel bone, poorly fitting shoes, obesity, stress fractures, or underlying diseases such as rheumatism or gout. One specific cause of heel pain is heel spurs, which occur due to irritation of the bone and soft tissue in the heel area. This article explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for heel pain and heel spurs.
Causes of Heel Pain
- Walking Stride and Stress on the Heel: One of the most common causes of heel pain is a walking stride that exerts excessive pressure on the heel bone. This can lead to strain on the tissues surrounding the heel, causing discomfort.
- Poorly Made Shoes: Wearing shoes that do not provide proper support or cushioning can contribute to heel pain. Ill-fitting shoes may cause improper alignment of the feet and increase stress on the heel.
- Obesity: Being overweight can place additional pressure on the feet, particularly on the heel, leading to pain and discomfort.
- Stress Fractures and Bruising: A stress fracture of the heel bone or bruising of the fat pad under the heel can also contribute to heel pain.
- Diseases: Conditions such as rheumatism or gout can cause inflammation in the foot joints, leading to pain and discomfort in the heel.
Symptoms of Heel Pain and Heel Spurs
- Pain in the Heel: The primary symptom of heel pain is localized discomfort in the heel, which may be sharp or dull. The pain often worsens with activity or after standing for long periods.
- Heel Spurs: Heel spurs refer to pain caused by bone irritation or the pulling of a ligament or muscle from the heel. In severe cases, the pain may be constant and debilitating.
Treatment for Heel Pain and Heel Spurs
- Well-Fitted Shoes: Wearing shoes that provide proper support and have soft, shock-absorbent soles can help ease heel pain. Proper footwear helps to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on the heel.
- Orthotic Devices: Custom orthotics can be used to absorb some of the impact on the heels, improving comfort and alignment during walking or standing.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. These medications are commonly prescribed by doctors to manage heel pain.
- Physical Therapy and Exercises: Specific exercises and stretches can help alleviate heel pain by strengthening the muscles and tendons in the foot. A podiatrist or physical therapist can recommend suitable exercises.
- Cortisone Injections: In cases of severe pain, cortisone injections may be recommended to provide temporary relief from inflammation and discomfort.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to the heel can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Alternating between heat and cold treatments may be beneficial for some patients.
- Advanced Techniques: Newer treatments, such as cryotherapy (cold therapy) and shockwave therapy, may also be used to treat heel pain and heel spurs. These techniques help to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: Surgery is typically considered a last resort if other treatments do not provide relief. Endoscopic surgery, which is minimally invasive, is often used to treat severe heel pain and heel spurs effectively.
Conclusion
Heel pain and heel spurs can significantly impact daily activities, but there are a variety of treatment options available to help manage and alleviate the discomfort. From well-fitted shoes to advanced medical treatments, effective solutions are accessible to most patients. Surgery is only necessary in extreme cases when other options have not been successful.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit Innovative Foot & Ankle or contact us at one of our convenient New Jersey locations in Kenilworth, Bayonne, Cranford, and Little Ferry.