A heel spur is a calcium deposit that develops between the arch of the foot and the heel. Often, they have an underlying cause, although they may also occur independently. Dr. Timothy Mason, Dr. Jason Hancook, and Dr, Travis Johnson are podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Orlando. They are dedicated to providing his patients with the best quality care for foot and ankle problems including heel spurs.
Symptoms of Heel Spurs
Orlando patients may experience the following symptoms of heel spurs:
- Radiating heat from the heel throughout the foot
- Stabbing pain in the heel upon standing
- A persistent dull ache in the heel
- Inflammation of the heel
- Difficulty standing or walking for long periods of time
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should visit Dr, Mason and he will X-ray your foot to determine if a heel spur is a problem.
Causes of Heel Spurs
A heel spur can arise when the long-term ligament and muscle strain erodes the heel’s soft tissues. It may also be caused by a tear in the membrane covering the heel bone. Your heels may also become more vulnerable to heel spurs as you age.
Heel Spur Risk Factors
The following may increase your risk of developing heel spurs:
- Athletic activities such as long-distance running and jumping.
- Frequent walking or jogging.
- Injury to your heel.
- Being female.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Wearing ill-fitting footwear or shoes that offer insufficient support for your feet.
There are also some underlying medical conditions that can lead to heel spurs. These include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Reiter’s disease
- Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
If you live in Orlando and suffer from heel spurs or you have symptoms that are affecting your feet, or you would like to find out more about sports therapy and preventing injury to your feet and ankles, call today at 407-365-9511 to schedule an appointment.