Causes of Heel Spurs and How to Overcome It

Heel spurs are one of the causes of heel pain. The pain caused by this condition can be mild, but it can also be severe enough to limit movement and interfere with daily activities. The causes of heel spurs themselves can vary, and there are various ways you can do to overcome them. Heel spurs are a bulge in the bone in the heel of the foot caused by calcium buildup or calcification of the heel bone. This bulge can cause heel pain 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 in the sole of the foot (plantar fasciitis) due to calcification in the sole of the foot. This condition occurs if the muscles and connective tissue in the legs often experience excessive traction or tension in the long run. In addition, there are several factors that can also increase the risk of heel spurs, including:

1. Repeated injuries to the feet

Repeated injuries to the feet can occur in people who often run or jump, for example due to work as an athlete or athlete. The risk will be even greater if the activity of running and jumping is done on a hard surface. In addition, the wrong way of walking, such as frequent dragging or stomping of the feet, can put excessive strain on bones, muscles, and connective tissue around the heel, thereby increasing the risk of heel spurs forming.

2. The use of shoes that do not fit

Frequent wearing shoes that are not properly sized or not in accordance with the shape and arch of the foot is also one thing that can increase the risk of heel spurs forming. This is because the habit of using shoes that do not fit can cause pressure on the feet. Over time, this can cause heel spurs.

3. Old age

Research shows that the older a person is, the higher the risk for heel spurs. This is thought to be caused by thinning of the fat tissue in the heel and decreasing the flexibility of the connective tissue around the heel as we get older.

4. Leg deformities

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. Certain medical conditions

Heel spurs are also more likely to occur in people who have certain medical conditions, such as obesity and arthritis (arthritis). Both conditions cause the heel bone of the foot is vulnerable to damage, so the heel spurs are formed.

How to Overcome Heel Spurs

The handling of heel spurs aims to relieve complaints of pain in the foot or heel, and prevent injury or increasing severity of inflammation in the foot. One treatment that can be done is the consumption of pain medication. The painkillers used can be over-the-counter medicines, such as paracetamol, or painkillers prescribed by doctors, such as diclofenac. If heel spurs cause complaints that interfere with movement and activity, your doctor may recommend treatment with physiotherapy. To help reduce pain and deal with complaints due to heel spurs, you can apply the following tips:

• Give 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 on a hard flat surface, such as running, jumping, or aerobic.
• Use shoes with a thick and soft base, or use special tools to provide extra cushion for 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 at night while sleeping, to reduce heel pain in the morning.

If the above treatment has been done but the complaints due to heel spurs have not improved, then surgical procedures may be needed to overcome them. Therefore, do not hesitate to consult and consult a doctor to get an examination and the right treatment.