Calcaneal Spur
Heel Spur/Calcaneal Spur is one of the most common causes of
heel pain.
Continued overstrain of plantar
fascia results in
stripping of periosteum from its origin at the calcaneus. The gap thus formed
is filled by the proliferation of bone resulting in formation of a bony spur to
secure the detached attachment.
Heel
Spur Causes
Thus calcaneal spur is a late sequale
of plantar fascitis. Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis can occur alone or be
related to underlying diseases which cause arthritis (inflammation of the joints) such as
Reiter's disease, ankylosing
spondylitis, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.
Heel
Spur Symptoms
- The calcaneal spur may not be always painful.
When painful a sharp, stabbing pain under
or on the inside of the heel.
- The pain is typically relieved during rest, but
is worse after getting up again.
- As a rule of thumb, it is most painful first
thing in the morning.
- The pain is made worse by walking on a hard
surface or carrying something heavy, such as a suitcase.
- The pain can become so severe that it becomes
difficult to continue your daily work.
Heel
Spur Diagnosis
Heel bone spurs can be diagnosed with
an X-ray foot where a bony outgrowth can be seen at the calcaneal bone near the
attachment of plantar fascia. Radiological proof helps exclude other conditions
like arthritis, stress fractures etc.
Once formed, this spur is permanent and attempts to remove it
results in its recurrence.
Calcaneal
Spur Treatment
- Rest: The
intensity and duration of activity and weight bearing should be reduced.
Staying off the feet can help a lot ( For example- heel raise walking
while getting down from bed in morning or after long sitting ).
- Relieve pain and inflammation: Use
of ultrasound and contrast bath help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Avoid walking barefoot: Shoes
are a must to support the arch of the foot even when at home. Arch
Supports and heel cups cushion to the heel, and reduce the weight bearing
on the foot during activities.
- Stimulation: Faradism
can be an effective measure to induce contractions in the intrinsic
muscles improving their tone, power and circulation.
- Exercises: The
workout regimen should consist of mild stretches for strengthening of foot
and calf muscles so as to reduce the tension on the heel mechanically.
Exercises to the intrinsic muscles in warm water in the morning before
initiating weight bearing. Strengthening exercises to the intrinsic
muscles as sustained toe curling, performed even with shoes on provide an
excellent technique of resistive exercises. Resting on lateral border of
the foot with cupping of the foot by curling of toes is effective in
moulding longitudinal arch.
- Weight loss: Losing
weight can reduce
the extra pressure that plantar fascia bears with every step.
- Medications: Pain
Relief Medications like analgesics and anti-inflammatory are advisable in
acute as well as chronic cases.
For chronic heel pain management or
surgical advice consult a podiatrist. Steroids and anesthetic injectables at
the site of spur may be advised in severe ceases.
মন্তব্যসমূহ
একটি মন্তব্য পোস্ট করুন