What is heel spur?
Heel spur is a small bony protrusion on the heel bone, often the result of long-term strain on the tendon plate under the foot (plantar fascia). Heel spur is usually caused by overuse, incorrect shoes or abnormalities in foot position. It is important to note that the bone protrusion itself does not always cause pain; the pain often comes from irritation of the tendon and surrounding tissue.
Complaints
Heel spur can cause various symptoms, such as:
- Stabbing pain under the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after resting
- Pain during prolonged standing or walking
- Sensitivity to pressure on the heel
- Sometimes mild swelling or stiffness in the arch of the foot
What can a podiatrist do?
A podiatrist examines the foot, the position of the arch of the foot and the load during walking. Treatment may include:
- Fitting orthotics to reduce pressure on the heel
- Advice on shoes and proper cushioning
- Stretching and strengthening exercises for the tendon plate and calf muscles
- Relieving treatments for the heel to reduce irritation
- Shockwave therapy
What can you do at home? The tendon that runs under your foot is one of the least circulatory parts of our body. To stimulate circulation, you can roll your foot over a tennis ball and massage the foot with the ball.
Recovery
Recovery from heel spur focuses on reducing pain and preventing further irritation. With the right orthotics, shoes and exercises, the pressure on the heel can be relieved, allowing the tissue to recover. Combining pressure relief with strengthening and stretching exercises helps prevent recurring symptoms and ensures that walking can be pain-free again.
