The calcified outgrowth on the heel bone is known as heel spur. It leads to intense heel pain that can make it difficult for you to perform your daily tasks. This outgrowth of bone tends to lay pressure on the ligament attached to the heel bone, which causes its inflammation. This inflammation is the cause behind the heel pain. If left unattended, heel spur can tear this ligament and cause further damage.
So, it is absolutely essential to recognize the symptoms of heel spur and consult your doctor. If heel spurs get diagnosed in early stages, it is possible to control the inflammation and use simple heel spur relief measures to reduce the heel pain. Some of the easiest heel spurs relief measures are discussed here.
One of the most effective methods to reduce heel pain is to wear orthotics. Orthotics, such as night splints and shoe inserts, restricts the movement of your feet, thereby preventing any abnormal motion of the heel. This provides relief from the excruciating pain in the heels and prevent the condition from aggravating. One can also use silicone heel cups to treat morning heel pains. These cups provide excellent support to your heels.
Do ice massage of your sore heel. This will help in reducing the inflammation. If it fails to provide any heel relief, you can purchase reusable hot and cold gel packs. Use these gel packs to give alternate baths to your feet. It is one of the most effective methods to control and reduce the inflammation of plantar fascia. Use stretching aids to stretch your feet in proper position that will help relieve the pain. You can also perform stretching exercises that will help in lifting the pressure from the inflamed ligament, thereby proving immense relief.
Doctors also recommend the use of certain non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs to control and reduce the inflammation. However, it can have certain side effects on your body’s natural mechanism. If you are suffering from chronic heel spur, the above mentioned methods may not work for you as effectively as for others.
For acute cases, doctors recommend surgery. But, surgery has not proven to be much effective and it also poses risk for potential complex side effects. However, a new heel spur relief procedure, known as extra corporeal shock wave therapy, has been recognized. Though it does not have any side effects and is highly effective, it is a really expensive procedure.