Heel Spur: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is a heel spur?

A heel spur is an inflammation of the tendon attachment under the heel, which causes pain and discomfort in the heel area. The name heel spur comes from the fact that a bone spur sometimes forms on the heel bone, but it is the inflammation of the plantar fascia (the tendon under the foot) itself that causes the discomfort. Many people who suffer from heel spurs find that pain under the heel can take a long time to heal without proper treatment for heel spurs .

Symptoms and problems: When the tendon under the foot is stressed

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp pain under or on the inside of the heel
• Pain is worst in the morning or after prolonged rest.
• Increased pain with strain or prolonged standing
• Stiffness in the heel and arch of the foot
• Pain that may decrease after a period of movement

Heel spurs often cause the most intense symptoms during the first steps in the morning or when getting up after sitting still for a long time. The pain may decrease somewhat after walking for a while, but often returns when walking or standing for longer periods. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by this typical pain pattern that worsens after rest, which can be similar to other complaints such aspain under the foot .

Causes and risk factors: Why do you get heel spurs?

Several factors can contribute to the development of heel spurs:

• Overload from prolonged standing or walking
• Inappropriate shoes with poor shock absorption
• High or low arches
• Overweight
• Intense running or jumping on hard surfaces

There is also an increased risk of developing heel spurs if you have a job where you stand a lot, if you have pronation (inward rotation) of the foot, or if the soles of your shoes are too hard. It is important to review your shoes and possibly supplement with shock-absorbing inserts to prevent heel spurs from coming back. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the supporting tendon in the arch of the foot is subjected to repeated stress and tension. Similar stress problems can also contribute to periostitis .

Diagnosis, treatment and when to seek care

Heel spurs, or plantar fasciitis, are a common cause of heel pain. The condition occurs when the tendon at the base of the foot, the plantar fascia, becomes overstretched and inflamed. The pain is often felt most with the first steps in the morning or after rest. Early and proper treatment can speed recovery and reduce the risk of long-term problems.

Rest and stretching

In the case of heel spurs, it is important to reduce the load on the heel to give the tissues time to heal. Stretching the calf muscles and plantar fascia helps to increase flexibility and reduce tension in the foot. Regular rest combined with soft supportive shoes can provide effective relief.

Custom shoes and inserts

Shoes with good shock absorption and heel spur inserts can improve foot position and reduce pressure on the inflamed area. The inserts help distribute the load evenly across the foot, which relieves pain and supports the healing process.

Pain relief

Painkillers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be used as needed to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, doctors may recommend short-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve acute symptoms.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can speed up the healing process through individually tailored exercises and manual therapy. The focus is on strengthening the muscles of the foot and calf and restoring normal mobility. For more long-term problems, shockwave therapy may also be considered.

When to seek care

If your pain does not improve after a few weeks of self-care, you should consult a physical therapist or doctor. Professional assessment can identify underlying causes and ensure the right treatment is initiated. Sometimes a combination of treatments is required for best results.

Conclusion: Healing heel spurs with the right treatment and exercises

Heel spurs can be a painful and long-term condition, but with the right treatment and support, most people can effectively manage their symptoms. By combining conservative treatment methods such as rest, stretching, and the use of specially designed heel spur inserts, significant improvements can often be achieved. It is important to be patient, as healing can take time, and to consult a doctor or podiatrist for an individual treatment plan. For arch support and relief when walking, the FotSupporten 2.0 can also be an option.

Regularly performing specific heel spur exercises and providing your foot with shock-absorbing support is often the key to successful treatment. Remember that it can take several months for plantar fasciitis to fully heal, but with proper heel spur treatment, most people can return to normal activities without pain.