What is Heel Spur?

It is an enlargement of the bone that comes out from under the rear heel bone inside your foot. Heel spurs are a foot condition caused by a bone-like growth called a calcium deposit that runs between the heel bone and arch. Heel spurs usually start on the front and bottom of your heel. It eventually affects other parts of your foot. It may not be visible.

What Are the Symptoms of Heel Spurs?

Symptoms such as pain, inflammation, swelling in front of the heel, warmth in the area, difficulty in walking, pain that continues intermittently during the day, bone protrusion in the heel can be seen. However, in some cases, the disease can be seen without any symptoms. Risk factors include sports activities, hard-soled shoes, trauma to the heel base, age, and weight. Some diseases such as Reiter's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, spine or lumbar rheumatism can cause heel spurs.

What Are the Risk Factors for Heel Spurs?

There are risk factors such as repetitive activities, standing on hard surfaces for a long time, anatomy (flat feet, etc.), tight calf muscles, obesity, age (40-60 years). Constantly moving on hard ground, flat, etc. Having ailments are important risk factors for heel spurs.

How Is Heel Spur Diagnosed?

The disease can progress without any symptoms. The diagnosis of heel spur is made by physical examination and examinations such as x-rays.

What are the Treatment Methods for Heel Spurs?

In the treatment methods of heel spurs, there are treatment methods such as rest, cold compress, orthosis use, anti-inflammatory drugs and ESWT. If these treatments fail, surgical operation is required.