Heel spurs can be a reason for great soreness in the heels and can occur in all forms of physical movement involving feet and legs
. Even walking and standing will be tricky due to the tremendous pain. Although while resting, the pain almost reduces to nil, but the moment an individual is on his feet the pain comes back in all its strength. Calcaneal spurs are abnormal growths on the bone of the heel and occurs either at the underneath of the heel. These occur at the place the tissues linking the heel to the toes are joined. If any of these tissues gets away from the heel, deposits of calcium are formed. They harden and grow into a solid form like a nail. The growth is on the bone but can pierce into the fleshy part of the foot also.
The stretching of the tissues connecting the heel to the toes, causing heel spurs can also be due to an unnatural shape of the foot. It may happen to flat footed or people with high arched feet. Women are liable to develop this problem, because of the type of shoes they wear. It has been found that every ailment of the foot can be the result of the type of shoes worn by the patient.
Heel spurs treatment has a number of options. If it is due to flat feet or high vaulted feet, the pain can be restricted by having special inserts inside the shoes. They assist in proper distribution of the body weight while walking. Shoepads are also worn in the heel part of the shoe which also gives relief. Cushioned heels absorb the pressure and shock while walking and reduce the pain. There are a number of ideas which give temporary relief from heel spurs. While lying down, the feet may be placed at a higher place. Complete rest is a cure for all ailments and the feet are no exception. If there is swelling applying ice or cold squeeze will help in reducing the inflammation as well as the pain. The heel podiatrist may suggest a series of exercises to strengthen the leg muscles and tissues connecting the heel to the toes.
Surgery is rarely recommended for treatment of heel spurs. The primary reason is improper foot alignment and this is usually treated with inserts in the shoes. Medication usually consists of simply pain killers.