Have you ever felt a sharp pain in your heel? A pain that occurs when you stand up or after a long walk? Then this could be a sign of heel spurs. It's an annoying but common condition that can cause discomfort in daily life. But what causes them, what are the symptoms, and how can you treat heel spurs? You'll find out all about it in this article.
What is heel spur?
Heel spurs are also known as plantar fasciitis. They are bony growths on the underside of the heel bone. They often develop after excessive strain on the foot. This excessive strain causes calcium to build up on the heel bone. This often results in a stabbing pain in the heel.
Why do I get heel spurs?
The cause of heel spurs can vary, but it's often reflected in your body type or lifestyle. Below are some factors that can contribute to the condition.
Overload
Standing for long periods, walking, or running can put excessive strain on the heel. This can be especially harmful if you walk on hard surfaces. Overuse is a major cause of heel spurs.
Bad footwear
It's important to wear shoes with sufficient support and cushioning. Shoes that don't offer enough support can cause heel spurs.
Overweight
Too much or extra weight puts a lot of strain on the heels. Excessive pressure on the heels leads to overuse.
Flat feet or high insteps
Abnormal foot structures can increase the load on the heel. If this is the case, it's important to treat heel spurs promptly. Otherwise, it can cause an even more abnormal foot structure.
How do I know if I have heel spurs?
Heel spur symptoms can sometimes be difficult to recognize. It's therefore wise to pay attention to specific symptoms. It's also essential to see a doctor if you suspect you have this condition.
What are the symptoms of heel spurs?
These are common symptoms:
Sharp, stabbing pain when taking the first steps after not moving for a while;
Increased pain after prolonged standing, walking, or running;
Pain on pressure or touch of the heel;
Swelling or inflammation around the heel.
To rule out the condition, you should see your doctor. Only then can you receive a valid diagnosis.
How do you get rid of heel spurs?
There are several ways to treat your heel. Treating heel spurs requires proper attention and measures to address the problem as effectively as possible. In general, it's important to get enough rest and do stretching exercises. Later in this article, we'll explain the various treatment options.
How do I get rid of heel spurs as quickly as possible?
To get rid of heel spurs quickly, it's important to start treatment right away. You usually don't get rid of your heel spur in just one day. Treating your heel takes time. Rest is therefore one of the most effective treatment methods! These days, you also hear more and more people using low-level laser therapy for heel spurs.
What is the best treatment for heel spurs?
The best treatment varies from person to person. However, it's helpful to know your options. Below, we'll explain possible heel spur treatments that can be effective.
Rest and adjustment of activities
Avoid activities that put excessive strain on the heel. Therefore, it's wise to avoid standing, walking, or running on hard surfaces for long periods. Opt for less impactful activities like swimming or cycling to reduce pressure.
Ice therapy
Apply ice to your heel to reduce any inflammation and pain. Do this for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Stretching exercises
Exercises for heel spurs are very important. There are plenty of instructional videos available here that can help you. One important exercise for heel spurs is rolling with a tennis ball under your foot.
Heel spur insoles and other support
Heel spur insoles can be a good option for treating heel spurs. They can also reduce heel spur pain. Some people also wear special shoes for heel spurs. You can see a podiatrist to have it properly checked.
Tape or bandage
Many people with heel spurs tape their heels with sports tape or an elastic bandage. This can provide support and reduce the strain.
Medication or supplements
While this isn't a complete solution, it can be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation. Magnesium is also a helpful supplement for heel spurs, as it reduces muscle tension and cramps.
Red light therapy
These days, more and more people are using red light therapy as a treatment or as a supplement to other heel treatments. This light therapy, also called low-level laser therapy, uses a low-intensity laser.
This laser light improves blood circulation, cellular energy, and cell regeneration. This reduces, heals, or prevents pain, inflammation, and damaged tissue. This also makes it a good treatment for heels!
Heel spur and red light therapy
Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy, can be effective in treating heel spurs. The red laser light penetrates deeply into the tissues without heating. This provides several beneficial effects:
• Cellular healing;
• Reduction of inflammation;
• Improved blood circulation;
• Pain relief.
These properties make red light therapy an effective treatment for various causes of the condition. It is a safe treatment method with few to no side effects.
We've already helped many people reduce or prevent pain, complaints, and various conditions. View all experiences with heel pain and other experiences with our PowerCure low-level laser.
Experiences
Red light therapy and science
The use of low-level laser therapy, also known as red light therapy, has been scientifically proven. This therapy uses laser devices with a specific frequency of low-power light energy. This light interacts with the tissues in your body, reducing pain, swelling, inflammation, and various conditions.
What can PowerCure laser therapy do for your heel spur?
The PowerCure laser is an effective treatment for pain, inflammation, conditions, injuries, and more. It's also a useful treatment for heel spurs. Just a few minutes of laser therapy daily can reduce pain and symptoms. View our treatment protocol for heel spurs here.
Heel spur treatment protocol
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