Common Symptoms of Heel Spurs: When to See a Podiatrist
Are you having soreness or dull pain in your heel? If yes, then you may have developed a heel spur, a foot condition that occurs when a calcium deposit grows between the heel and arch of the foot and causes pain, swelling, or inflammation. While most of the time, it doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. But when it does, it should be treated to prevent further complications. Learn about the common symptoms of heel spurs in this article. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.
Causes
Heel spurs develop over months when muscle and ligament strain wear out the soft tissues from the bottom of the heel. This is mostly common with plantar fascia tissue (due to stretching) because it connects the heel bone to the bottom and stays under the stress of repetitive pulls during heel movement which creates micro-trauma. The body tries to repair the area by creating more bone, which causes calcified protrusions which are known as heel spurs.
Tearing the membrane that covers the heel bone also causes heel spurs, which is common among athletes whose activities involve large amounts of running and jumping, as heels become more vulnerable with age. A 2015 review of heel pain shows that as a person ages, the pads in the heel wear down and fail to absorb shock as before. Over time, calcium deposits buildup under the heel creating bony protrusions which lead to heel spurs.
Risk factors
While anyone can develop heel spurs, some risk factors can increase the risk of developing heel spurs, like:
- Walking abnormalities, like placing excessive stress on the heel bone, ligaments, and nerves near the heel.
- Running or jogging, particularly on hard surfaces.
- Wear ill-fitting shoes that lack appropriate arch support.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Being female.
Other risk factors include:
- Age: As you age, plantar fascia flexibility decreases and thins the heel’s protective pad layer. On average, around 55% of those above 62 years old may have some form of heel spurs, and also4% will develop plantar heel spurs above the age of 40. A 2008 study found that heel spurs are more common in older men and women.
- Diabetes: While it’s not clear how diabetes leads to heel spurs, some studies found a connection between the two. For example, a study found plantar heel spurs are 4 times more likely to have diabetes.
- Certain physical activities: Physical activities that put a strain on the heel and arch of the foot such as running, jogging, and jumping.
- Trauma to the heel: If your heel gets bruised and torn the membrane that covers the heel can lead to heel spurs.
- Foot position and structural issues: The structure of your feet plays a crucial role in how your feet get affected when they touch the ground, and the dynamics of your gait may lead to developing heel spurs. For example, when your feet roll towards the inside when you walk, it puts the body’s weight on the inner edge instead of the ball of the foot, which is called overpronation of the feet, which significantly contributes to the formation of plantar heel spurs. Having flat or high-arched feet is also linked with the development of heel spurs.
Some underlying conditions may lead to heel spurs, including:
- Reactive arthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
Signs and symptoms
Mostly heel spurs don’t cause symptoms because they grow inside the foot, which is tricky to spot. Even when symptoms are present, most patients’ symptoms don’t require immediate treatment. Like every health condition, early detection is the best way to ensure the widest variety of treatment options. The most common symptoms of heel spurs include:
- Pain: The pain can be either sharp or dull, depending on the severity of the heel spur.
- Inflammation or swelling: This is a common complication of the condition that creates swelling or inflammation at the front of the heel.
- Heat radiating from the affected area: You feel that the area of the heel is warm to the touch which indicates a spur formation.
- Changes in tissue around the heel of your foot: People who are observant to their feet notice changes in the tissue around the heel.
- A small protrusion from underneath your heel: This is a very common sign of the bony growth associated with heel spurs which remain inside your foot and grow in size to a point where they begin to protrude outwards.
- General tenders on the areas when you walk: If you’re an athlete or are on your feet a lot, you may feel tenderness in the area where the heel meets the ground when you walk or run which is an indication of heel spurs.
When to see a podiatrist?
You should see a podiatrist if your heel pain doesn’t get better with treatment. While heel spurs don’t always cause pain, ongoing heel pain is a sign that it’s time to try other treatments or check for other potential problems.
A heel spur occurs due to stress and strain damage to the plantar fascia, and ligament on the bottom of your foot. It also occurs with age when calcium deposits build under the heel creating bony protrusions that damage the heel which leads to heel spurs. While it doesn’t always cause heel pain, you should pay attention to your heels to prevent further complications. So, notice the common symptoms of heel spurs that occur during certain activities, and seek medical help to improve your heel pain and improve overall foot health.
If you need help with heel spurs, visit our podiatry clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!!
Doral Health & Wellness employs Podiatrists with extensive education and expertise. Trauma to the tendons, muscles, and bones of the foot is quite common, as are infections secondary to systemic diseases. It’s not a promising idea to put off seeing Foot Doctor Brooklyn until you’re in a lot of pain. Our address is 1797 Pitkin Avenue, New York, NY 11212. To make an appointment, please call +1-347-384-5690 or send an email to info@doralhw.org.