Heel spurs are one of the most common conditions you can run across, especially if you like to stay active by jogging. Constant pressure and pounding on your feet can create a protrusion at the bottom of your heel bone, which brings about pain, discomfort, and swelling. While most people don’t experience severe heel spurs, if you don’t catch it soon enough or leave the problem to fester, it can result in chronic pain.

What Causes Heel Spurs?

Heel spurs occur when the ligaments and muscles in your feet become strained. The plantar fascia, a fibrous tissue that connects your heel to your toes, stretches membranes that cover your heel bone tear. Repeated pressure put on the bottom of your heel bone can form a protrusion that becomes inflamed, leading to pain and discomfort. Heel spurs commonly occur in athletes, but you can develop this condition if you…

Wear ill-fitting shoes
Have gait abnormalities
Have flat feet or high arches
Spend a lot of time standing
Are a senior
Have diabetes
Are obese or carry extra weight
Run or jog daily

Do You Have Heel Spurs?

If you experience any of the following, you likely have a heel spur:

Pain around the arch and heel of your foot
A bony protrusion, even if it’s small
Swelling around your arch and heel
Inflammation around the ball of your heel

Treating Heel Spurs

At the first sign of a heel spur, it’s important that you contact your podiatrist and go in for a visit. You can never fully diagnose and treat your condition without the help of a professional. Here are some of the treatment options your podiatrist will likely suggest:

Icing your foot
Limiting exercise and walking
Cortisone injections
Resting and elevating your feet
Physical therapy
Stretching your feet before bed
Anti-inflammatory medications
Custom orthotics
Surgery

Taking care of your feet and managing your pain is crucial. At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, Dr. Anant Joshi and his staff treat a range of conditions and are committed to providing results. To schedule an appointment, contact his office in Woodland Park, NJ, at 973-256-000.