Many people often suffer from heel problem which is caused due to Heel spur and also known as Calcaneal spur. Heel spur are kind of calcium deposits that is attached to the heel bone. Most of the time, it remains undetected for several months and sometimes even years however calcium deposits grow as pointed, hooked or shelf shaped form. With every step, you may feel an intense pain in your heel.

The name of Plantar Fasciitis is often taken with the calcaneal spur or what the Doctors in Canada say pris avec l’épine calcaneenne as the conditions are often similar in nature. Over a period of time heel spur can be a reason for pain and also damages the fatty pad that is present in our heel.

What are the causes?

Heel spur is often considered as late sequalae of plantar fasciitis. Both these problems can occur individually or sometimes one can be the cause for the other and ultimately causes inflammation of the joints, which is a kind of arthritis like ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter’s disease and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.

What are its symptoms?

Following are few symptoms of heel spur

• It is not necessarily that heel spur will always be painful however when it becomes painful then there is stabbing and sharp pain inside or under the heel.
• When you take rest then the pain is reduced however when you get up again then the pain becomes worse.
• Usually when you get up from your bed early morning then you experience more pain.
• If you walk on any hard surface or try to carry heavy objects like suitcase etc.
• Sometimes the pain becomes so severe that it starts affecting your daily work routine too.

Diagnosis of heel spur

Normally by taking an X-ray you podiatrist can diagnose as X-ray will be able to show your bony outgrowth at the calcaneal bone which is very close to attachment of your plantar fascia. By taking radiological test you can rule out the possibilities of other symptoms like stress fracture or arthritis etc.

Once heel spur is formed it becomes a permanent feature as it can reoccur again if it is attempted to get removed.

Treatments

• Rest

Intensity of work and carrying extra weight must be reduced. Reduce walking and standing on feet.

• Relieve inflammation and pain by using ultrasound
• Try to avoid walking barefoot
• Light exercise
• Faradism can be effective
• Try to reduce your weight
• Take medicines as advised.