Heel spur is a disorder that appears as a bone protrusion or lump caused by calcium deposits at the point where the heel bone connects to the plantar fascia. This condition can negatively affect daily life by causing limitation of movement. Stress, which usually occurs as a result of overloading the foot ligaments, plays an important role in the formation of heel spurs. Factors such as overexertion, flat feet or improper shoe use may trigger the development of this disorder. Therefore, it is of great importance for those suffering from this disease to pay attention to their foot health and take the necessary precautions. In this context, methods that can be a definitive solution to heel spurs are investigated.
What is heel spur?
A heel spur is defined as a bone protrusion or growth caused by calcium deposits formed in the heel of the foot due to the influence of various factors such as obesity, flat feet and inflammation of the ligaments that connect the heel bone to the bones in the toes (plantar fascia). This orthopedic problem, which usually manifests itself with pain that remains silent while resting but manifests itself with movement, often increases in severity later in the day. Heel spurs can negatively affect the quality of life by restricting a person’s mobility in daily life.
What causes heel spurs?
The formation of heel spurs begins with inflammation that occurs as a result of stretching of the fascia, the connective tissue under the skin, or rupture of the membrane surrounding the heel bone. The main causes for heel spurs are:
- Tension or strain in the foot muscles and connective tissue
- Walking or jogging on hard surfaces
- Abnormal walking styles that put excessive pressure on the heel
- Using shoes that do not offer orthopedic support
- Having flat feet or high arched feet
- Using flip-flops frequently
- Standing for long periods of time throughout the day
- Heel inflammation known as plantar fasciitis
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes and arthritis
- obesity
Heel spur symptoms and treatment
Heel spur is a disorder that manifests itself with various symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Severe heel pain felt when you wake up in the morning or when you take the first step after a long rest
- Pain in the area of the foot near the heel
- A small, bony protrusion that appears on the bottom or back of the heel.
- Increased temperature felt in the heel area
- Increased heel pain after long walks
- Symptoms of inflammation in the heel
- Numbness or tingling sensation that occurs when nerves are affected
- Significant increase in pain during exercise and physical activities
- Difficulty walking due to pain
These symptoms can affect the quality of daily life of individuals with heel spurs and make it difficult for them to move.
Treatment methods that are good for heel spurs are:
- Resting by avoiding activities that increase pain
- Applying compresses with ice packs
- Performing stretching exercises that stretch the calf and plantar fascia
- Using personalized heel spur insoles and orthoses
- wearing a night splint
- getting physical therapy
- Using anti-inflammatory medications
- Getting cortisone injections
- Applying pain relieving creams
- Choosing silicone heel slippers
- Surgical intervention if necessary
How to get rid of heel spurs the fastest?
“What is good for heel spurs?” When the subject comes up, answers to questions such as “Is baking soda good for heel spurs?” are sought. There are some natural methods and practices to alleviate heel spur discomfort. Simple solutions such as baking soda, lemon and rest are among these methods. In addition to this:
- Applying an ice compress can relieve pain by reducing inflammation.
- Soaking the feet in Epsom salt helps relax the muscles and relieve swelling.
- Soaking the heels in a mixture of apple cider vinegar diluted with water allows you to benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Massage with coconut oil provides relief by reducing tension in the heel area.
These natural methods can be effective in managing heel spur pain encountered in daily life.