Definition of Heel Spurs

The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot. During activity it absorbs themost pressure and shock. When the Plantar Fascia pulls away from the heel calcium deposits form and create bony outgrowths called Heel Spurs. These Heel Spurs (which may actually be shaped like a small hook) usually extend from the heel of the foot into the soft tissue surrounding the bottom of the foot causing inflammation of the Plantar Fascia ligament (a wide band of fibrous/stringy tissue which runs along the sole of the foot from the heel bone to the base of the toes) and pain throughout the heel of the foot. Heel Spurs may be located where the Plantar Fascia ligament attaches to the bottom of the heel- bone or in some cases they may be located on the inside or outside of the heel bone.

This foot condition typically occurs in people with "Flat Feet" (Over-Pronation). Because individuals with "Flat Feet" do not have a stable foot arch, as the arch starts to collapse the Plantar Fascia absorbs the majority of the impact of pressure being exerted on the foot. Eventually, this broad band of soft tissue stretches beyond its limits creating the possibility for muscle tears which may result in inflammation and the subsequent generation of Heel Spurs.

Heel spurs often occur in individuals who are over the age of 40. Both men and women experience this foot condition, however a significantly higher incidence occurs in women due to the types of footwear (such as high-heels and/or tight fitting shoes) often worn by them on a regular basis.

Possible Causes of Heel Spurs

* Improperly Fitted Footwear - High-Heeled, pointed-toe shoes and shoes that constrict the natural range of motion of the foot are a leading cause of this foot condition.

* Over-Pronation ("Flat Feet") - is a leading cause of foot pain. With Over-Pronation, during walking the arch of the foot collapses under the pressure of the weight being placed on the foot. The collapse of the foot arch causes the Plantar Fascia to be stretched away from the heel where it is attached. Eventually, it stretches beyond its limits and may lead to the condition known as Plantar Fasciitis (an inflammation of the Plantar Fascia) and Heel Spurs.

* High Foot Arch - an unusually high foot arch may be a factor.

* Excessive Weight (Obesity) - Too much weight on the foot from either obesity or pregnancy may be a factor.

* Increased Physical Activity - A sudden increase in physical activity may bring on this condition.

* Inadequate Warm-Up Prior to Exercise - Failure to Warm-Up prior to physical activity may lead to this condition.

* Arthritis - Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout may be factors.

Symptoms of Heel Spurs

Heel soreness/pain first thing in the morning (as soon as you step out of bed and bear weight on the foot) with some relief experienced after taking a few steps. The soreness/pain is actually the result of the foot muscles tightening up overnight as you rest or have been inactive for a period of time. You may also experience varying degrees of discomfort if you begin to exercise without properly warming up first. The inflammation of the Plantar Fascia may present as a burning feeling or it may feel as if you have bruised your heel, whereas the Heel Spurs may feel as if a sharp, pointed object is poking out of the back or bottom of your heel.

Possible Solutions for Heel Spurs

We at Hawley Lane Shoes believe that wearing shoes that are too tight will inhibit the natural motion of the Plantar Fascia. Proper range of motion of the Plantar Fascia combined with proper arch support will help to optimize the health of the Plantar Fascia and the biomechanics of the foot. By maintaining optimal range of motion of the foot and proper arch support excessive stretching of the Plantar Fascia will be eliminated and Heel Spurs will not have an opportunity to develop.

For example, over the past 10 years we have received positive feedback from an abundance of customers who suffered from Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs. These individuals have shared with us that they experienced significant relief after wearing clogs, sandals, and shoes that provided their feet with a more functional arch support. As a matter of fact, many people notice almost instant relief once they have slipped on a pair of shoes that provide the proper arch support and allow for the proper range of motion of the Plantar Fascia.