Heel spurs are one of the causes of heel pain. The pain caused by this condition can be mild, butIt can also be severe enough to restrict movement and interfere with daily activities. Causes of heel spurs alone can vary, and there are various ways that can be done to overcome it.
A heel spur is a protrusion of the bone in the heel of the foot caused by calcium buildup or calcification in the heel bone. This bulge can cause pain in the heel when standing, walking, or running. Even so, heel spurs do not always cause complaints or symptoms.
Causes of Heel spurs
Heel spurs are usually associated with inflammation of the connective tissue on the sole of the foot (plantar fasciitis) due to calcification in the sole of the foot. This condition occurs when the muscles and connective tissue in the feet are subjected to excessive pulling or tension over a long period of time.
In addition, there are several factors that can also increase the risk of heel spurs, including:
1. Repeated injury to the foot
Repeated injuries to the feet can occur in people who frequently run or jump, for example because of their profession as athletes or sportsmen. The risk will be greater if the activity of running and jumping is done on a hard surface.
In addition, improper gait, such as frequent shuffling or stomping of the foot, can place too much stress on the bones, muscles, and connective tissue around the heel, increasing the risk of heel spurs forming.
2. The use of shoes that do not fit
Frequently wearing shoes that don't fit properly or don't match the shape and arch of the foot is also one of the things that can increase the risk of heel spurs forming.
This is because the habit of wearing shoes that don't fit properly can put pressure on the feet. Over time, this can lead to heel spurs.
3. Udrain carry on
Research shows that the older a person is, the higher the risk for heel spurs. This is thought to be caused by the thinning of the fatty tissue in the heel and the reduced flexibility of the connective tissue around the heel with age.
4. Kfoot deformity
Some people are born with feet that are too flat or too curved. This condition makes the bones and connective tissue around the heel experience excessive pressure when walking or running.
5. Kcertain medical conditions
Heel spurs are also more at risk in people who have certain medical conditions, such as obesity and arthritis (arthritis). Both conditions cause the heel bone of the foot to be susceptible to damage, resulting in the formation of heel spurs.
How to Overcome Heel spurs
Treatment of heel spurs aims to relieve complaints of pain in the foot or heel, and prevent injury or the severity of inflammation in the foot.
One treatment that can be done is the consumption of pain relievers. Pain medication used can be an over-the-counter medication, such as paracetamol, or a prescription pain medication, such as diclofenac.
If heel spurs cause complaints that interfere with movement and activity, your doctor may suggest treatment with physiotherapy.
To help reduce pain and deal with complaints caused by heel spurs, you can apply the following tips:
- Apply a cold compress to the heel after walking or exercising, to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Rest and avoid physical activities or sports that require a lot of pounding your feet on a hard flat surface, such as running, jumping, or aerobics.
- Using shoes with thick and soft soles, or using special aids to provide extra cushioning on the heel of the foot. This is useful for reducing pressure on the heel when walking or exercising, and reducing inflammation or injury to the connective tissue in the heel.
- Use night splint (span) at night while sleeping, to reduce pain in the heel in the morning.
If the above treatments have been carried out but the complaints due to heel spurs do not improve, then a surgical procedure may be needed to overcome them. Therefore, do not hesitate to consult and see a doctor to get the right examination and treatment.
Written by:
dr. Irene Cindy Sunur
