That Pain in Your Foot Might Be a Heel Spur
What Is a Heel Spur?
Contrary to popular belief, heel spurs aren't pointy or sharp pieces of bone. When the heel is subjected to constant wear and tear over a period of many years, a collection of very small, irregularly shaped growths can develop on the bone at the underside of the heel. The membrane that covers the heel bone tears and the bone becomes exposed. Eventually, bone-forming cells migrate to the site and deposit calcium. Those calcium deposits are known as heel spurs.
What Causes Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs can be traced to numerous sources, including;
Damage caused by running, jogging, jumping, or walking over a period of years, especially on hard surfaces.
Unusual stance.
Atypical gait.
Obesity and excess weight.
Poorly fitted or worn out shoes, especially casual footwear without appropriate arch support
Who Is at Risk for Heel Spurs?
Anyone can get heel spurs. They are especially common in middle-aged men and women. Heel spurs are also typically observed in patients who have an existing plantar fasciitis diagnosis. When observed with X-ray, 70% of plantar fasciitis patients are found to also have heel spurs.
How Will I Know If I Have a Heel Spur?
While it's possible to have a heel spur and not feel any pain, it's more likely that you will experience discomfort leading you suspect a problem. The site of the heel spur and the surrounding tissue can become chronically inflamed. The pain of that inflammation is most often described as similar to the discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis. Only a podiatrist can determine the source of the problem. Both conditions present with sharp, stabbing sensation when using the foot after a long period of rest, typically reducing to a dull throb, but worsening again during physical activity especially walking or jogging.
Are you experiencing morning heel pain? It might be plantar fasciitis or it might be a bone spur. The best place to find relief is at the podiatrist's office. It's important to have the source of your discomfort properly diagnosed in order to embark on an appropriate course of treatment. Your podiatrist is a specialized foot doctor with years of training and is the best qualified medical professional to treat issues in your feet, ankles, and lower legs.
Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.