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Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis Can Be Healed NaturallyHeel Spur DefinitionA heel spur is a bony projection on the sole region of the heel bone. This condition of heel spurs may accompany or result from severe cases of inflammation to the structure called plantar fascia. This associated plantar fascia is a fibrous band of connective tissue on the sole of the foot, extending from the heel to the toes.Heel Spur DescriptionHeel spurs are a common foot problem resulting from excessive bone growth on the heel bone. The bone growth is usually located on the underside of the heel bone, extending forward to the toes. One explanation for heel spur is a painful tearing of the plantar fascia connected between the toes and heel. This can result in either a heel spur or an inflammation of the plantar fascia, medically termed plantar fascitis. Because this condition is often correlated to a decrease in the arch of the foot, it is more prevalent after the age of six to eight years, when the arch is fully developed.Heel Spur/Plantar Fasciitis Causes and symptomsOne frequent cause of heel spurs is an abnormal motion and mal-alignment of the foot. For the foot to function properly, a certain degree of pronation is required. This motion is defined as an inward action of the foot, with dropping of the inside arch as one plants the heel and advances the weight distribution to the toes during walking. Heel spurs grow when foot pronation becomes extreme from the foot turning in and dropping beyond the normal limit, a condition known as excessive pronation creates a mechanical problem in the foot causing heel spurs. In some cases the sole or bottom of the foot flattens and becomes unstable because of this excess pronation, especially during critical times of walking and athletic activities, thus causing heel spurs. The portion of the plantar fascia attached into the heel bone or calcaneous begins to stretch and pull away from the heel bone causing heel spur. At the onset of this condition of heel spurs, pain and swelling become present, with discomfort particularly noted as pushing off with the toes occurs during walking. This movement of the foot stretches the fascia that is already irritated and inflamed. If this condition is allowed to continue, heel pain is noticed around the heel region because of the newly formed bone, in response to the stress. This results in the development of the heel spur. It is common among athletes and others who run and jump a significant amount. An individual with the lower legs angulating inward, can have a tendency toward excessive pronation. As a result, this too can lead to a fallen arch resulting in plantar fascitis and heel spurs. Women tend to have more genu valgus than men do. Heel spurs can also result from an abnormally high arch. Other factors leading to heel spurs include a sudden increase in daily activities, an increase in weight, or a change of shoes. Dramatic increase in training intensity or duration may cause plantar fascitis. Shoes that are too flexible in the middle of the arch or shoes that bend before the toe joints will cause an increase in tension in the plantar fascia and possibly lead to heel spurs. The heel pain this condition causes forces an individual to attempt walking on his or her toes or ball of the foot to avoid pressure on the heel spur. This can lead to other compensations during walking or running that in turn cause additional problems to the ankle, knee, hip, or back.Heel Spur DiagnosisA thorough medical history and physical exam by a physician is always necessary for the proper diagnosis of heel spurs and other foot conditions. X rays of the heel area are helpful, as excess bone production will be visible.Heel Spur/Plantar Fasciitis TreatmentHeel spurs and plantar fascitis are usually controlled with conservative treatment. Early intervention includes stretching the calf muscles while avoiding re-injuring the plantar fascia. Decreasing or changing activities, losing excess weight, and improving the proper fitting of shoes are all important measures to decrease this common source of foot pain from heel spur. Modification of footwear includes shoes with a raised heel and better arch support. Shoe orthotics recommended by a healthcare professional are often very helpful in conjunction with exercises to increase strength of the foot muscles and arch. The orthotic prevents excess pronation and lengthening of the plantar fascia and continued tearing of this structure causing heel spurs deteriorating. To aid in this reduction of heel spur inflammation, applying ice for 10-15 minutes after activities and use of anti-inflammatory medication can be helpful for heel spur treatment. Physical therapy can be beneficial with the use of heat modalities, such as ultrasound that creates a deep heat and reduces inflammation of the heel spurs. If the heel pain caused by inflammation is constant, keeping the foot raised above the heart and/or compressed by wrapping with an ace bandage will help. Cortisone injections are also frequently used to reduce heel pain and heel spur inflammation. Taping can help speed the healing process of heel spurs by protecting the fascia from reinjury, especially during stretching and walking.Heel Spur SurgeryWhen chronic heel pain fails to respond to conservative treatment, surgical treatment may be necessary. Heel spur surgery can provide relief of heel pain and restore mobility. The type of heel spur procedure used is based on examination and usually consists of releasing the excessive tightness of the plantar fascia, called a plantar fascia release. Depending on the presence of excess bony build up, the procedure may or may not include removal of heel spurs. Similar to other surgical interventions, there are various modifications and surgical enhancements regarding surgery of heel spurs.Alternative treatment for Heel SpursAcupuncture and accupressure have been used to address the pain of heel spurs, in addition to using friction massage to help break up scar tissue and delay onset of bony formations.Heel Spur PrognosisUsually, heel spurs are curable with conservative treatment. If not, heel spurs are curable with surgery. About 10% of those that continue to see a physician for plantar fascitis have it for more than a year. If there is limited success after approximately one year of conservative treatment, heel spur patients are often advised to have heel spurs surgery.Heel Spur PreventionTo prevent heel spurs, wearing shoes with proper arches and support is very important. Proper stretching is always a necessity, especially when there is an increase in activities or a change in running technique. It is not recommended to attempt working through the heel pain, as this can change a mild case of heel spurs and plantar fascitis into a long lasting and painful episode of this condition.
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