What causes heel spurs?

Healthylife Pharmacy6 March 2017|3 min read

Heel spurs are bony growths that protrude on the underside of the heel bone. About 1 in 10 Australians may have heel spurs without any symptoms, but in some people, they may cause pain. This pain is often described as a knife or a pin sticking into the bottom of the foot when walking. Heel spurs are also associated with plantar fasciitis – inflammation of the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes.

Wearing appropriate footwear and orthotics may help resolve and prevent the problem. Natural therapies may assist in recovery by dissolving the bony growths and helping to reduce pain and inflammation.

Top causes of heel spurs

A heel spur is a calcium deposit that builds up on the underside of the heel bone. This process usually occurs over many months when the heel is subjected to constant wear and tear.

It may be caused by strains to foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia and repeated tearing of the membrane that wraps over the heel bone.

Heel spurs are common in athletes who run, jump or jog on hard surfaces, women and older people.

Risk factors for heel spurs 

  • Running, jogging or jumping on hard surfaces
  • Poor-fitting or worn shoes lacking arch support
  • Excess weight
  • Abnormal or lopsided walking, which places excessive stress on the heel bone, ligaments and nerves

Symptoms of heel spurs

Contrary to popular belief, heel spurs are smooth and flat like all other bones, not pointed or sharp. When people get symptoms of a heel spur it is caused by inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding it. This may lead to chronic heel pain when jogging or walking. For some people, heel spurs may cause no symptoms at all.

Another cause of heel pain comes from the growth of new fibrous tissue around the spur, which acts as a cushion over the area of stress. As this tissue grows, a callus forms, leading to less space for the surrounding network of tendons, nerves, ligaments and supporting tissues.

With this limited space, there may be swelling, redness of the foot and a deep throbbing pain worsened with exercise. After a long period of rest, walking may cause a sharp stabbing pain. Sometimes, it may be a dull throb that intensifies when engaging in activities like jogging or jumping.

Ways to heal heel spurs 

Non-surgical treatment options 

Footwear

Good quality, well-fitting footwear with arch support is recommended for people with heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. They should have shock-absorbent soles, firm shanks and supportive heel counters. Shoes that are too tight may restrict the movement of tendons, damaging the bones in the feet.

Wearing the right shoes reduces pressure on the heels and helps to distribute your body weight evenly. It is important to replace footwear that has become excessively worn, especially on the heel. Orthotics may also be inserted into shoes for further cushioning and arch support. An alternative to full-length orthotics is a gel heel cup or cushions specifically designed to relieve heel pain.
Your healthcare professional may also provide other non-surgical options.

Natural solutions to provide support

Magnesium is an essential mineral required for utilising calcium, healthy bone formation, protein synthesis and nerve health. Soaking your feet (or whole body) in a magnesium bath may help to relax the body. Magnesium is a common deficiency, and sometimes supplementation may be necessary. If you suspect magnesium deficiency, discuss it with your healthcare professional.

Curcumin, the active constituent of turmeric, has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Although there is a lack of studies on curcumin for heel pain, it has been shown to be effective for other types of inflammation that affect joints and soft tissue.

Fish oil may also help to reduce inflammation. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in foods such as fish, nuts and seeds, grass-fed meat, and chia seeds. A typical Australian diet is usually high in omega-6 and low in omega-3. Supplementing with high-quality, high-strength fish oil can help reduce inflammation.

The information provided is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing any health concerns, please consult your healthcare professional for advice.

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References

  1. Agyekum, E. K., & Ma, K. (2015). Heel pain: A systematic review. Chinese Journal of Traumatology, 18(3), 164–169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cjtee.2015.03.002
  2. Mirzaei, H., Shakeri, A., Rashidi, B., Jalili, A., Banikazemi, Z., & Sahebkar, A. (2017). Phytosomal curcumin: A review of pharmacokinetic, experimental and clinical studies. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 85, 102–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2016.11.098
  3. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.-c). Foot problems - heel pain. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/foot-problems-heel-pain#heel-spur
  4. Velagala, V. R., Velagala, N. R., Kumar, T., Singh, A., & Mehendale, A. M. (2022). Calcaneal Spurs: A Potentially Debilitating Disorder. Cureus, 14(8), e28497. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.28497
  5. Kirkpatrick, J., Yassaie, O., & Mirjalili, S. A. (2017). The plantar calcaneal spur: A review of anatomy, histology, etiology and key associations. Journal of Anatomy, 230(6), 743–751. https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.12607
  6. Gammone, M. A., Riccioni, G., Parrinello, G., & D’Orazio, N. (2019). Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Benefits and Endpoints in Sport. Nutrients, 11(1), 46. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11010046
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional.