The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot therefore, it absorbs the most amounts of shock and pressure. A heel spur develops as an abnormal growth of the heel bone and is caused when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel area, causing a bony protrusion. This stretching of the plantar fascia is usually the result of flat feet, but people with high arches can develop them too. If heel pain has you bothersome, our doctors at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center can provide you with relief.
Heel spurs under the sole of the foot are associated with inflammation of the plantar fascia (fasciitis), the “bowstring-like” tissue stretching underneath the sole that attaches at the heel. Plantar heel spurs cause localized tenderness and pain made worse when stepping down on the heel. Heel spurs are diagnosed based on the history of pain and tenderness localized to the area of bony involvement. The key for proper treatment of these spurs is determining what is causing the stretch in the plantar fascia. Common treatments include stretching exercises, foot orthotics and in some cases losing weight. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications are often helpful.
If you have further questions about heel spurs, please give us a call. To learn more about heel spurs as well as other conditions we treat, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.
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