What Helps with Heel Spurs? How to Get Rid of Heel Spurs?

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop due to calcium deposits under the heel bone in your foot. Discomfort can occur when the ligament that connects the heel bone to the bones in the toes (plantar fascia) becomes inflamed. Most people don't realize they have a problem until they seek help, as there are no visible or tangible symptoms when heel pain begins. Doctors may not prioritize surgical intervention initially. Instead, they recommend non-surgical treatments to alleviate heel symptoms. Treatment options include using special shoes that support the arch, cushions or pads that provide support under the heel, applying ice to reduce pain, performing stretching and strengthening exercises, taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain, and physical therapy if necessary.

What is a Heel Spur?

Heel spurs are small, bony growths on the heel. On an X-ray, they often resemble a small spike or hook facing the inner side of the heel arch. They form from calcium deposits that build up gradually over months or years. Many people don’t realize their discomfort is due to heel spurs until they seek treatment for heel pain. This condition typically results from repetitive activities like prolonged standing, walking, or running.

People with heel spurs often experience sharp pain under or behind the heel. Patients may feel the most intense pain when taking their first steps in the morning or after long periods of inactivity. Surgery is rarely needed. Doctors usually prefer non-surgical treatments to manage symptoms of the condition.

Why Do Heel Spurs Occur?

Heel spurs occur due to calcium deposits that form on the underside of the heel bone over time, usually developing over several months. This is often caused by stress and tension in the foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing of the membrane covering the heel bone. Heel spurs are common among athletes who engage in activities involving significant running and jumping. Some risk factors include:

• Walking abnormalities: Walking disorders that put excessive stress on the heel bone, ligaments, and nerves near the heel can prevent proper support of the foot arch and overstretch the plantar fascia. 
• Repetitive foot stress: Repeating activities such as prolonged standing, walking, or running can overstrain and irritate the plantar fascia. Repeated long-distance running on hard surfaces can especially contribute to the condition. 
• Improper footwear: Poorly fitting shoes, or those lacking support or with incorrect arch support, can contribute to overstretching the plantar fascia and developing the condition. 
• Excess weight and obesity: Being overweight increases the load on the foot arch, leading to overstretching of the plantar fascia and raising the risk of developing the condition. 
• Anatomical factors: Foot structure issues such as flat feet or frequent use of high-heeled shoes can contribute to overstretching the plantar fascia. 
• Weak muscles and ligaments: Weakness in the foot muscles or ligaments can affect the plantar fascia's stretching and contribute to heel spur formation. 

What are the Symptoms of Heel Spurs?

Heel spurs often do not cause any symptoms. However, if there is inflammation, intermittent or chronic pain may occur, especially when walking or running. Generally, the cause of the pain is the associated soft tissue injury. The shape of the pain is usually described as a stabbing or needle-like pain in the sole of the foot upon taking the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity. Later, this sharp pain turns into a mild ache. Typically, sharp pains return after sitting for long periods and then standing up. Some common symptoms include: 

• Pain under the heel: The most common symptom is a sharp, pointed, or burning pain under the heel bone or at the point where the plantar fascia attaches. This pain is usually more intense right after taking the first steps in the morning or after long periods of inactivity. 
• Increased pain: Heel spur pain may intensify after activities such as standing for long periods, walking, or running. The pain can also increase during movements that put pressure on the heel, such as climbing stairs or putting weight on the foot. 
• Swelling or tenderness in the heel: People with symptoms of discomfort may feel mild swelling or tenderness under the heel bone or at the point where the plantar fascia attaches. This tenderness may become more pronounced when touching or putting weight on the heel. 
• Walking abnormalities: Due to heel spur pain, walking abnormalities may occur. Habits such as putting less weight on the heel or lifting the sole of the foot when the heel touches the ground may develop to avoid pain. 
• Increased pain at night: In some cases, people with heel spurs may experience pain even while resting at night. The pain may intensify especially when lying on the side in bed, putting pressure on the heel bone. 

What is Good for Heel Spurs?

The treatment of heel spurs primarily involves rest and lifestyle changes. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, but surgery is generally considered only when other conservative treatment options are insufficient. Some treatment methods include:

• Rest and activity modification: Rest is important to relieve heel spur pain by avoiding excessive pressure on the affected foot.
• Ice application: Applying ice under medical supervision to the heel area can help reduce pain and inflammation. It's important to apply it through a cloth to prevent direct skin contact.
• Shoe and insole selection: Shoes designed to support the arch of the foot and alleviate heel spur pain can be beneficial. Additionally, using soft and supportive insoles can help reduce pain.
• Flexibility and strengthening exercises: Under medical supervision, exercises that strengthen and increase the flexibility of the foot and leg muscles are important in treating heel spurs, especially exercises that stretch and strengthen the plantar fascia.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy sessions can help manage heel spur pain and speed up recovery. Physical therapists work with specific techniques and exercises to alleviate pain and increase foot stability.
• Medication: In some cases, doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to treat heel spurs. These medications are used to reduce inflammation.
• Protective splints: Special night splints can alleviate heel spur pain and support the arch of the foot. These splints can protect the plantar fascia from stretching overnight.
• Injection therapies: Medical treatments such as steroid injections or PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections can be used to relieve heel spur pain and reduce inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surgical Intervention Performed for Heel Spurs? 

Heel spurs can be surgically removed, but doctors rarely perform surgery to remove heel spurs. 

Which Department Treats Heel Spurs? 

The diagnosis and treatment of heel spurs are typically handled by orthopedic specialists. Orthopedic specialists are doctors who focus on foot and ankle issues and are experts in diagnosing and treating heel spurs. 

Symptoms of heel spurs usually worsen over time. Instead of surgery, doctors plan treatments to control symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce symptoms. Therefore, people with heel spur symptoms can start treatment by making an appointment with the orthopedic department of hospitals.