A heel spur, or calcaneal spur, is a bony growth of calcium deposits on the back or bottom of the heel bone that often has a hooked, pointy, or shelf-like shape.
Heel spurs develop when strain or pressure damages the foot over long periods causing an inflamed tendon or ligament to attach to the heel bone. Having a heel spur doesn’t always cause symptoms, but many people experience sharp pain, especially when walking or standing.
Heel spurs affect about 15% of the general population and are most common in older adults, people with plantar fasciitis (inflammation in the tissue in the heel of your foot), and people living with obesity.
Types of Heel Spur, or calcaneal spur
Healthcare providers categorize heel spurs based on where they form near your heel bone.
Plantar Heel Spur
A plantar heel spur forms on the bottom of the heel, where the plantar fascia ligament attaches to the heel bone. Inflammation of the plantar fascia (medically known as plantar fasciitis) can cause calcium deposits to build up on the bottom of your heel and form a plantar heel spur.
Dorsal Heel Spur
A dorsal heel spur appears on the back of the heel, near the point where the Achilles tendon connects to the heel bone. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon can cause calcium deposits to build up on the back of the heel.
Heel Spur Symptoms
Not all heel spurs cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often stem from the inflammation of the surrounding tissues on your foot, rather than the spur itself. Sometimes, inflamed tissues put pressure on the nerve that runs through the heel, causing numbness, burning, or tingling sensations.
The primary symptom of a heel spur is heel pain, which may feel like a sharp, stabbing sensation at the bottom or back of the heel. Pain may be more intense when taking your first steps in the morning and after physical activity or prolonged periods of rest.
What Causes A Heel Spur?
Repeated stress and strain on your heel from physical activity and walking or running on hard surfaces for long periods can damage the ligaments and tendons in your feet. Inflammation can occur when your body attempts to heal the damaged tissue. Over time, the irritation you feel occurs due to excess calcium buildup at the site of the microtears (small tears).
How Physiotherapy Helps in Heel Spur
Physiotherapy provides a comprehensive approach to managing heel spurs by combining pain relief techniques, stretching and strengthening exercises, gait training, and education. By addressing the underlying causes and providing tailored treatment plans, physiotherapy can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from heel spurs.
Physiotherapy offers effective relief and management for this condition through a variety of methods:
- Pain Relief: Techniques such as ultrasound, TENS, and ice therapy reduce pain and inflammation.
- Stretching Exercises: Targeted stretches for the plantar fascia and calf muscles alleviate tension and improve flexibility.
- Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the foot and ankle muscles provides better support and reduces heel strain.
- Gait Training: Physiotherapists assess and modify your walking pattern to reduce heel stress, often recommending custom orthotics for additional support.
- Education and Footwear Advice: Guidance on proper footwear and activity modification helps prevent further strain on the heel.
By combining these approaches, physiotherapy can significantly alleviate the symptoms of heel spurs, improving overall foot function and quality of life.
How To Prevent Heel Spurs
It’s not always possible to prevent a heel spur. However, prevention strategies often look similar to at-home treatment options. To reduce your risk of developing heel spurs:
- Stretch your calf muscles and plantar fascia regularly
- Wear supportive footwear
- Warm up before you exercise
- Massage your feet, especially if you are on your feet for long periods
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a heel spur and plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament, while a heel spur sticks out on the heel bone in response to inflammation or injury of the ligaments and tissues in the foot. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel spurs.
What happens if a heel spur goes untreated?
Untreated heel spurs can lead to chronic pain that can limit mobility and affect daily life. A heel spur can also irritate the soft tissues surrounding the bony growth, causing further inflammation and pain.
Is walking good for heel spurs?
Taking your first steps in the morning may be painful with a heel spur, especially one that develops due to plantar fasciitis.
Walking while wearing supportive shoes with heel cushioning may help reduce your pain. Avoid activities that aggravate your pain or place heavy demands on your foot and opt for low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling if walking is too uncomfortable.
