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Heel
Spurs
The heel bone is the largest bone in the
foot and absorbs the most amount of shock and pressure. A heel spur
develops as an abnormal growth of the heel bone. Calcium deposits form
when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel area, causing a bony
protrusion, or heel spur to develop. The plantar fascia is a broad band of
fibrous tissue located along the bottom surface of the foot that runs from
the heel to the forefoot. Heel spurs can cause extreme pain in the
rearfoot, especially while standing or walking.
CAUSE
Heel spurs develop as an abnormal growth in the heel bone due to calcium
deposits that form when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel. This
stretching of the plantar fascia is usually the result of over-pronation
(flat feet), but people with unusually high arches (pes cavus) can also
develop heel spurs. Women have a significantly higher incidence of heel
spurs due to the types of footwear often worn on a regular basis.
TREATMENT & PREVENTION
The key for the proper treatment of heel spurs is determining what is
causing the excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. When the cause is
over-pronation (flat feet), an orthotic with rearfoot posting and
longitudinal arch support is an effective device to reduce the over-pronation,
and allow the condition to heel.
Other common treatments include stretching exercises, losing weight,
wearing shoes that have a cushioned heel that absorbs shock, and elevating
the heel with the use of a heel cradle, heel cup, or orthotic. Heel
cradles and heel cups provide extra comfort and cushion to the heel, and
reduce the amount of shock and shear forces experienced from everyday
activities.
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