Spurs

Also related to Plantar Fasciitis

Symtoms

If pain occurs in the heel - and no injury had occured (to the patient's recollection) - and it feels progressively worse over time. There is a possibility of the development of a spur, and an exam would be a good idea.

A spur feels like a dull ache most of the time. A good way of describing this pain is that it is (something like a bruise - but unfortunately more painful.

The ache is worse after sitting for a period of time, or when getting out of bed in the morning.

Possible Causes

There is a ligament that attaches across the foot all the way down to the heel. In some cases, the ligament can start detaching from the bone, and bleeding can occur, forming a type of inflammatory "sac".

When our body tries to heal itself, these sacs can become scar tissue, and eventually calcify, making the "spur". This however, does not cause the pain, it's merely a visible sign of a spur.

The cause of the pain is the inflammation of the ligament detaching itself (plantar fasciitis).

Treament

After a series of tests, and the pain has been pinpointed to the heel, there are several things that can be done to treat this condition. Resting the foot is most important, as well as wearing orthotic devices (usually a type of insole). The goal is to keep the ligament from straining and detaching from the bone.

There are many excercises that can be suggested by a physician for stretching the ligament, so that the strain isn't as prominent. Physical therapy, done on a regular basis, is also an option, where many different proceedures to keep the inflammation at bay. Cortisone injections are also a possibility.

The majority of patients will see big improvements in about three weeks. If these treatments fail, surgery is the last option where the ligament is lengthened to prevent the strain that causes the spur.