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Heel
Spurs
Definition
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
and 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.
If the problem persists, consult your foot doctor.
Back
to List of Foot Conditions
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