A heel spur is a hook developed on the bone that rotates. When it rotates it puts pressure on the plantar fascia and causes pain and inflammation.
These are often related to plantar fasciitis because they can cause each other to develop. However, they are both very different conditions.
This condition, the development of heel spurs, is most likely to occur during the middle years of our life. Those who have had a past with plantar fasciitis and other foot ailments are typically susceptible to the development of heel spurs.
However, these spurs can be developed by anyone at any age. In most cases the heel spur itself does not create the pain, but it can indirectly cause pain through the pressure that it puts on the plantar fascia.
The doctor can detect the presence of a heel spur, or calcified tissue close to the heel of the foot, through an x-ray. If a heel spur is present, the doctor will be able to see a hook on the back of your foot.
Most of these spurs develop on the heel bone next to where the arch tissue connects. This tissue often puts a lot of stress on the heel.
The name for this stress is plantar fascia. Of the people who develop plantar fascia, seventy percent will develop heel spurs.
Fortunately, there are many treatments for heel spurs. The doctor will probably recommend a combination of them to you upon diagnosis.
He will most likely tell you to rest your foot until the pain is gone. This means that you should not do any unnecessary walking, jogging, or other type of exercise.
The doctor may also recommend placing ice on the heel to help lower the level of inflammation and pain. He or she will also recommend various exercises or stretches concerning the foot that will help the muscles and tendons to relax.
If the pain or inflammation is severe, the doctor may recommend a medication to reduce swelling. Other doctors may suggest shoe inserts that will support your foot and relieve the stress on the afflicted tendons.
Many athletes used these shoe inserts because they allow them to continue exercising if their condition is not too severe. If the doctor's recommendations are followed, all pain and inflammation resulting from the heel spurs should be gone within 90 days.
There are many causes of heel spurs in addition to stress of the tendons. One of these causes is aging.
Over time, the body begins to fall apart through use and daily wear and tear. Sometimes heel spurs go unnoticed for years.
Another cause of heel spurs is injuries. Injuries put added stress on tendons and can cause them to tear, and can result in heel spur development.
Exercise can also cause these painful spurs. Dancers, runners, and many other activities are very strenuous on the feet.
The heel bones and ligaments are being used constantly for various activities. Stretching properly can help relieve the stress on these parts of the body and prevent heel spurs.
Some other personal habits can also cause heel spurs. For example, everyone walks a little differently and one walk may put more strain on the foot than another.
The wearing of shoes of little support can also cause much stress on the foot. These shoes include high-heeled shoes, stilettos' or those without arch support.
Osteoarthritis is a condition that can lead to the development of these in older people. Osteoarthritis causes heel spurs because the body it trying to protect itself from weak bones and cartilage.
Other minority causes include a sedentary lifestyle and obesity. It is very important to maintain awareness of the health level of our body and to address any complaints before the condition becomes chronic.
The health of the body directly affects emotional, spiritual, and mental health. By maintaining excellent physical health, we will be well on the road to maintaining excellent emotional, spiritual, and mental health as well.
Author Resource:-
Tom Selwick has worked as a podiatrist and foot surgeon for the past 14 years and written hundreds of articles about various foot conditions including plantar fasciitis.
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