What is Heel Spur?

It is the growth of the bone that comes out from under the rear heel bone inside your foot. A heel spur is a foot disorder caused by a bone-like growth, called a calcium deposit, that lies between the heel bone and its arch. Heel spurs usually begin on the front and bottom of your heel. It eventually affects other parts of your foot. It may not be visible to the naked eye.

What are the symptoms of heel spurs?

Symptoms such as pain, inflammation, swelling in front of the heel, warmth in the area, difficulty in walking, intermittent pain throughout the day, and bone protrusion in the heel may be observed. However, in some cases, the disease can be seen without any symptoms. Risk factors include sports activities, hard-soled shoes, trauma to the base of the heel, age, and weight. Some diseases such as Reiter's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, spine or lumbar rheumatism can cause heel spurs.

What are the Risk Factors for Heel Spurs?

There are risk factors such as repetitive activities, standing on hard surfaces for a long time, anatomy (flat feet, etc.), tight calf muscles, obesity, and age (40-60 years). Constantly moving on hard ground, flat feet, etc. Having medical conditions are important risk factors for heel spurs.

How to Diagnose Heel Spur?

The disease can progress without any symptoms. Heel spur disease is diagnosed through physical examination and tests such as x-rays.

What are the Treatment Methods for Heel Spurs?

Heel spur treatment methods primarily include rest, cold compress, orthosis use, anti-inflammatory drugs, and ESWT. If these treatments fail, surgery is required.