Symptoms and Conditions of Heel Spurs

Symptoms and Conditions of Heel Spurs

If you suffer from pain in your heel that feels like pins and knives are piercing the bottom of your foot when you step down, you may have a condition known as a heel spur.symptoms and conditions heel spurs These bony growths, which are made of calcium deposits, develop on the underside of the heel bone or where it inserts into the Achilles tendon. Heel spurs are a result of long-term strain on these tissues, leading to repeated bruising and damage that causes the body to respond by adding extra bone tissue.

While athletes and people who work on their feet all day are more likely to experience symptoms from heel spurs, they can affect anyone who places constant impact or weight on the heels.symptoms and conditions heel spurs These growths are most common where the heel bone meets the arch, but they can also form at other places where tendons attach to the bones of the feet or ankles.

Heel spurs are not visible to the naked eye, so it's difficult to diagnose this condition based on appearance alone.symptoms and conditions heel spurs However, a podiatrist can conduct a physical examination of your foot to look for tenderness and examine the area for signs of inflammation. He or she will also use X-rays to see if there is evidence of a calcification.

Symptoms of heel spurs often include sharp, burning pain that is especially intense when you take your first steps in the morning or after you've been sitting for a long time. This is because the heel spurs are aggravated by the weight and impact of your foot when you start moving again. The pain from heel spurs usually fades as you continue to walk and move around, but it can return if you stop for an extended period of time.

Other symptoms of heel spurs can include a thickening of the skin over the affected area, a ridge that runs along the top of your foot, or a reddish hue to the bottom of the foot. Heel spurs can also cause stiffness in the leg and a tightening of the calf muscles.

The most important thing to do if you think you have a heel spur is to see your doctor. During the initial appointment, your doctor will do a physical examination of your foot to look at the areas of tenderness and inflammation. They may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or ultrasound, to see if there is a calcification on the underside of the heel. They will also ask about your symptoms to see if they are related to this condition. If you have chronic heel pain and inflammation, your doctor will create a treatment plan to help reduce these symptoms. This may include physical therapy, shoe inserts to relieve pressure, or cortisone injections that reduce swelling and pain. They may also recommend treating the underlying condition, such as plantar fasciitis or arthritis, to help improve your symptoms. To find a doctor who treats heel spurs, call or book an appointment online using our tool.