Heel spurs form on the underside of your foot, often causing pain and discomfort. They are deposits of calcium that build up over long periods of time. As many as one in ten people will develop heel spurs during their lives.
What Causes Heel Spurs?
Any repetitive, hard contact motions over a long period of time may cause heel spurs; the muscles and ligaments will be strained on soft tissues of the heel with such activities, potentially causing the tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Calves that are inflexible due to underuse are a known cause for eventual issues with heel spurs.
This can also be caused by age and certain medical conditions weakening the tissues, as well, or a combination of activities and age or conditions. You may experience a sharp pain in your heel when standing up, a dull ache as you move about, some visible signs such as swelling, inflammation, or even the protruding calcium buildup (heel spur) which may extend as much as a half an inch from the bone and thus can be visible.
Risk Factors for Heel Spurs
There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of heel spurs occurring. These include:
- Improper footwear and insufficient support such as shoes without arch support increase the risk.
- Performing activities on hard surfaces especially barefoot or without proper footgear increases the risk of heel spurs.
- Running/jumping in general increases the risk of damaging the soft tissues of the heel.
- Jobs that require being on one’s feet most of the day.
- Because of the extra pressure and strain on tissues, being overweight increases the risk of heel spurs.
- Females are actually statistically more likely to develop heel spurs than males.
- With age is an increased likelihood of dealing with heel spurs, as the tissues are more likely to tear during activities.
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Certain medical conditions:
- Arthritis
- Plantar fasciitis (which increases the risk of heel spurs but is not the same as heel spurs)
- Diabetes
How Are Heel Spurs Treated?
General Recommended Treatment and Activity
Always consult with your general physician or podiatrist if you believe you may have heel spurs. Heel spurs are typically treated with a regimen of rest, gentle activities often focused on strengthening the calves, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. If these are not fully effective in relieving the pain and any swelling or inflammation, the next step usually taken is cortisone injections by a doctor. Surgery is the last option, but heel spur pain usually resolves before the other options are exhausted.
Treatment with Orthotic Insoles
Orthotic insoles provide relief with cushioning for your entire foot and support - especially for your arches. The best orthotic inserts also reduce the risk of further damage as you perform the exercises your doctor may recommend during healing. Wearing orthotics have been shown to reduce the inflammation caused by heel spurs, greatly aiding in recovery time.
Treatment with Plantar Fasciitis Socks
Plantar fasciitis socks are marketed primarily for the treatment of plantar fasciitis, but also work to provide relief for heel spurs. They increase circulation to the bottom of the foot, promoting healing by bringing in nutrients faster. The best plantar fasciitis socks also provide the much-needed arch support, as well as ankle support that you need for the recovery from bone spurs. By providing targeted compression to the plantar fascia ligament, plantar fasciitis socks can give relief from associated swelling, inflammation, and pain. They can be worn with any shoe, as they are thin and made with stretchy, lightweight material.
Where to Purchase Treatment Products
Physix Gear Sport is the World Leader in Leg and Foot Recovery and Relief Gear and manufactures the best orthotic insoles and plantar fasciitis socks on the market today! Physix Gear has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so there is no risk and you can click here to order your orthotic insoles and click here to order your plantar fasciitis socks today. If for some reason they don’t provide relief and recovery for you, send them back for a full refund!