What are heel spurs?

Answer 1

Actually, heel spurs are caused by a traction on the front of the heel bone by the plantar fascia which is the thick cord running towards the big toe (imagine it as stretching a piece of chewing gum). These commonly occur as the foot sags and the medial arch drops. Best treatment is a rigid medial arch insole, available from your physio or an orthotist. The podiatrist will likely charge you a stupid amount of money, the correct insoles will cost about $100. If this fails, then a steroid injection can settle it down. Failing this, an orthopaedic surgeon can perform a plantar fasciotomy, and release the cord, removing the tension. Insoles settle it down in most cases. Avoid anyone who wants to excise the spur! It is not the problem, and contrary to public opinion, does not cause symptoms, it is the ongoing tension on the plantar fascia that causes the pain.

Answer 2

You might be able to find a good surgeon who could scrape off the excess bone, but who's to say it won't come back, especially if you don't change whatever habits brought it on in the first place. Vigorous massage is very helpful, on the painful areas, and all around the heel where the fascia attaches, and at the point in the center of the heel (extra point ShiMien), and all around the calcaneal tendon (Achilles' tendon), and any trigger points in the calf muscles. Most people cannot massage their feet vigorously enough -- it's too hard on your hands! So go spend $10 on a "Footsie Roller," a wooden thingy that's like a ridged rolling pin that really can get into the corners. You can sit or stand and put pressure on it, far more than your hands could ever do. A golf ball is OK, but it's hard to control, and doesn't have the same ability to get into a narrow spot. You can also get a boot at a medical supply house for wearing at night that dorsiflexes the foot so the plantar fascia can't contract overnight (the reason the pain is usually the worst first thing on getting out of bed). The shoe inserts will probably help the symptoms, as long as they're not too soft, and the heel is elevated. (may seem contradictory, as you might think soft and cushiony would be the way to go, but firm really is better) NSAIDS will help the pain also, but as you noted, do nothing for the cause. Similarly, a cortisone shot may take down the inflammation temporarily, but you can only get so many cortisone shots before your connective tissue starts melting. Good luck. Be well.

Answer 3

Calcium deposits in the Achilles area of the foot that hurt like SIN. If they have been diagnosed by a podiatrist then follow the doctor's recommendations. Some times a shot of cortisone is needed to dissolve them.

Answer 4

Inflammed little bony protrusions in your heels. Wear higher heels and plenty of padding. The doc could put some cortisone in it to help it heal.

Answer 5

Painful growths of bone on the underside, front of the heel bone.

Answer 6

The elightened one has given you some good information, but I would also consider the right kind of massage therapy as a treatment:

http://www.a-body-for-living.com/massage-for-heel-pain.html

Answer 7

It is extra bone growth on your heel. It can cause pain but not always.

Answer 8

dry cracked feet