What Is A Heel Spur?

What Is A Heel Spur? 

A bony growth on a normal bone is called a bone spur or osteophyte.  This growth is usually smooth and may cause the patient pain if it presses or rubs on other bones, soft tissue, ligaments, tendons, or nerves.  A bone spur as the body tries to repair itself by building extra bone. This is typically the result of rubbing, pressure, or prolonged stress on an area.  Due to the breaking down of cartilage overtime, some spurs may be the result of aging.  These types of bone spurs are especially common in the feet. Bone spurs in the foot also form as a result of certain activities.  For example, dancing and running put stress on the feet and may cause heel spurs.  Ill-fitting shoes and being overweight may also cause pressure on the feet.  Along with dancing, running, age, and weight, heel spurs also occur as a result of tight ligaments.

Bone spurs may go unnoticed because they are not always accompanied by symptoms. However, some of the symptoms of bone spurs include

• Swelling
• Pain
• Tearing
• Corns and Calluses

If your doctor suspects you have a heel spur, he or she will usually take an X-ray.  This x-ray is usually the result of complaints of the symptoms associated with heel spurs.  Once you are diagnosed and if the heel spur is causing pain, treatments may include weight loss programs, seeing a physical therapist for ultrasound or deep tissue massage, rest, ice, stretching, injections to curb pain.  Some patients who suffer from heel spurs may put pads in their shoes to relieve some of the pressure and pain. Dr. Jill's heel cushions,available through the product store at the Advanced Footcare Clinic website, are perfect for those who suffer from heel spurs.  The pads can be re-used, are non-medicated, washable, can be used in any type of footwear, and provide comfort with every step.  In some cases, the spur may also be surgically removed or repaired.  If you or someone you know is suffering from heel pain or any of the symptoms associated with heel spurs, call our office at 419-423-1888 and schedule an appointment.