The pain associated with a bone spur on the heel of the foot, often called a heel spur or calcaneal spur, is typically due to the irritation and inflammation of the soft tissues that surround the bony growth, rather than the spur itself.
In most cases, the bony growth is not sharp and many people have heel spurs without experiencing any pain.
What is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur is an abnormal, bony projection (osteophyte) that forms from a calcium deposit on the heel bone (calcaneus).
Location: The most common location is on the underside of the heel bone, where the plantar fascia (the strong ligament that supports the arch of the foot) attaches. In this case, the spur often develops in response to chronic stress and inflammation, most notably from plantar fasciitis.
Formation: Heel spurs develop gradually over many months or years as the body tries to reinforce the area experiencing chronic strain or micro-tears, especially where tendons or ligaments attach to the bone.
Pain Source: The sharp or chronic heel pain often attributed to the spur is usually caused by the associated inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues, such as the plantar fascia (plantar fasciitis) or the protective tissue lining the bone.
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Common Symptoms of Heel Spur-Related Pain
The pain often associated with a heel spur is virtually identical to the pain of plantar fasciitis, which is frequently the underlying cause.
Symptoms can include:
Sharp, stabbing pain on the bottom of the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after a long period of rest.
Dull ache or throbbing pain in the heel during the day.
Pain that worsens after (but usually not during) activity like walking, running, or prolonged standing.
Tenderness and a feeling of warmth or swelling in the heel.
Contributing Factors to Heel Spurs
Factors that increase the stress and strain on the heel, leading to chronic inflammation and spur formation, include:
Plantar Fasciitis: This is the most common condition linked to heel spurs.
Biomechanical Issues: Problems like flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal walking pattern (gait abnormalities) that put excess pressure on the heel.
Activity: Repetitive high-impact activities like running or jogging, especially on hard surfaces.
Improper Footwear: Wearing unsupportive, flat, or worn-out shoes that lack proper cushioning and arch support.
Obesity: Excess body weight increases the strain on the feet.
Age: Natural wear and tear on the foot's tissues makes spurs more common in older adults.
OK, so how did I fix it for me?
I experienced that when I wore shoes with higher heels (no, not high heels LOL), then the pain of walking and the resulting irritation was substantially less painful. So I experimented with insoles I ordered from Amazon (adjustable insoles: https://amzn.to/4nxrjja) made it better. But it was still there, Then I thought - are there men’s shoes with higher soles? So, I did some more research and found these Sketchers (maximum cushioning and heel pillow: https://amzn.to/4ozN0jl). Within a couple of days the pain completely went away. But wearing outdoor shoes around the house? No. So I ordered these too: House Slippers (https://amzn.to/4ovNpmQ). And I am a happy camper - pain-free 🙂. Lesson learned - not everything requires spending lots of money.
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Please note that the information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content presented here.