How to avoid heel spur?
Heel spur is a hook of bone that can form on the heel bone of the foot. Heel spurs are linked with plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs can be the reason for extreme pain in the rear foot. The pain is most strong while standing or walking. A heel spur expands as an abnormal growth in the heel bone due to calcium deposits that form when the plantar fascia stretches and pulls away from the heel. The plantar fascia is a ligament situated at the bottom of the foot. This stretching of the plantar fascia is generally the result of flat feet or extraordinary high arches.
Treatment for heel spur:
The treatment of heel spur depends on what caused the heel spurs. If the cause is flat feet, an orthotic with rear foot posting and longitudinal curve support can help reduce the over-pronation caused by flat feet. Other common treatments include stretching exercises, rest, applying ice packs to the affected area, anti-inflammatory medicine, losing weight. Wearing shoes that have a cushioned heel that absorbs shock, elevating the heel with the, use of a heel cradle, heel cup, or orthotic. About 70% of people who have plantar fasciitis will also have a heel spur that is visible on an X-ray. Usually, heel spurs are curable with traditional treatment. If not, heel spurs are curable with surgery. About 10% of those that carry on to see a physician for plantar fascitis have it for more than a year. If there is incomplete success after approximately one year of conservative treatment, patients are often advised to have surgery.
Prevention:
To avoid this condition, wearing shoes with proper arches and support is very important. Proper stretching is always a necessity, particularly when there is an increase in activities or a change in running technique. It is not suggested to attempt working through the pain, as this can change a mild case of heel spurs into a long lasting and painful episode of this condition. Few major leading factors for heel spurs include a sudden increase in daily activities, an increase in weight or a change of shoes. Dramatic increase in training intensity or duration may cause this. Shoes that are too flexible in the middle of the arch or shoes that bend before the toe joints will cause an increase in tension in the heel spur and possibly lead high pain.