Heel Spurs

The largest bone in the foot is called the Calcaneus or heel bone and it’s a good thing because it receives the most shock, pressure, and abuse. Calcium deposits form when the plantar fascia ligament pulls away or tears from the calcaneus (heel bone), causing a bony protrusion or heel spur to develop. The heel spur often causes a painful irritation to the plantar fascia ligament that result in inflammation.

Common causes of heel spurs are:

The key to treating Heel Spurs is to offload the pressure and stress that an active heel deals with every day. Outside of surgery you cannot make the spur go away, but you can find success when you slow down or stop the mechanical faults that lead to the inflammation. Broad base shoes, arch supports (over the counter, hand-made or custom orthotics) with additional cushioning and heel cradle are often effective tools in reducing stress on the heel bone. Stretching and hot-cold therapy are also critical in finding relief from painful spurs.