Heel Spurs
Growth of additional bone on the heel cause heel spurs that cause increasing pain as they develop. This condition may occur because of pulling on the heel bone by flat feet or tendons attached to the heel bone. Sometimes a bursa develops at the bottom of the heel bone which becomes inflamed and increases the pain. The foot may become accustomed to the spur which eliminates the symptoms, but pain could develop later. Heel spurs can usually be identified by a physical examination because pressing on the
center of the heel is painful. Diagnosis can sometimes be confirmed by X-ray but the X-ray may not show newly formed spurs.
Treatment for heel spurs should be directed to pain relief and there are many options. Under a doctor's direction drugs such as corticosteroids mixed with a local anesthetic can be injected into the painful area. There are special shoes available to minimize or eliminate pain from heel spurs, and there are devices that fit in the shoes for heel spur pain relief. There are also food supplements and over the counter drugs that have helped some patients. Surgery is a last resort since the pain may even continue after surgery. However, many athletes who had spurs have had surgery with excellent results.
