What Is A Heel Spur?

A heel spur, also known as a calcaneal spur, is a bony growth that develops on the back inside of your foot, along the underside of your heel bone. It’s essentially a calcium deposit that forms over time due to repeated stress on the foot.

While heel spurs themselves don’t always cause pain, they are often associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition that affects the tissue connecting your heel to your toes. The plantar fascia helps maintain the arch of your foot, cushions the impact of your foot hitting the ground and provides stability during movement.

When you repeatedly put strain on your plantar fascia, tiny pieces of bone can break off from your heel. Your body then tries to repair this by creating new bone, which can sometimes form a bone spur in the heel.

Several factors can contribute to the development of calcaneal spurs, including:

• Overuse: Repetitive activities that put stress on the heel, such as running or jumping.
• Foot mechanics: Conditions like flat feet or high arches can increase the risk of heel spurs.
• Improper footwear: Wearing ill-fitting or worn-out shoes can contribute to the development of heel spurs.
• Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the feet and ankles.

If you’re experiencing heel pain, our team at City Physiotherapy can guide you through a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Symptoms of a heel spur

While the bony growth itself is often painless, the inflammation and irritation of the surrounding tissues can cause significant discomfort. Common symptoms associated with heel spurs include:

• Sharp, stabbing pain: Often most intense when taking your first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
• Tenderness: Sensitivity around the heel, making it uncomfortable to touch.
• Stiffness: Difficulty moving your foot freely, particularly first thing in the morning.
• Aggravated pain: Increased discomfort during activities that involve impact or pressure on the heel.

It’s important to remember that while these are common symptoms, they can also be indicative of other conditions. If you’re experiencing heel pain, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Heel Spur Pain

Experiencing heel pain can significantly impact your daily life. At City Physio Adelaide, we understand your discomfort and are committed to helping you find relief. Our physiotherapists will develop a personalised treatment plan to address the root cause of your heel pain and guide you towards a full recovery. 

To reduce initial pain and inflammation, we often recommend rest, and avoiding activities that aggravate your heel pain. Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce swelling, and wearing supportive footwear with good arch support and cushioning can alleviate pressure on the heel. 

Our physiotherapists can also use remedial massage techniques to reduce tension and inflammation in the foot and surrounding areas.

We prioritise pain management by reducing inflammation through hands-on techniques like massage and mobilisation. Restoring movement is crucial, so we work on improving flexibility and range of motion in your ankle and foot. Strengthening the key muscles supporting your foot and ankle enhances stability and helps prevent future issues.

Addressing underlying biomechanical issues is another vital aspect of our treatment. As you progress, we will help you gradually return to your normal activities, ensuring a safe and effective recovery.

We can also use dry needling to address muscle tension and trigger points contributing to heel pain. This involves inserting thin needles into specific points in the affected area to release tension and improve blood flow.

It’s important to remember that every individual is different, and your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs.

In everything but the most extreme cases, the painful symptoms related to heel spurs can be managed without surgery. Attempting to remove a heel spur surgically often results in it growing back. Our goal is to help you achieve long-term relief from heel pain and improve your overall foot health.

If you’re experiencing heel pain, our team at City Physio can guide you through a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. We are here to support you on your journey to recovery, ensuring you receive the best possible care.

Can a Physiotherapist Diagnose a Heel Spur?

As with the majority of bone spurs, heel spurs can only be diagnosed with a foot x-ray. If we suspect you have a heel spur, City Physiotherapy can refer you for medical imaging scans. 

We can refer you directly for X-rays, ultrasound scans, or an MRI. These imaging techniques help confirm the presence of a heel spur and assist in ruling out other conditions such as arthritis or a stress fracture.

At City Physiotherapy, we ensure you receive a comprehensive assessment and accurate diagnosis. If you’re experiencing heel pain, our experienced physiotherapists are here to guide you through the diagnostic process and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. 

Your journey to relief and improved foot health starts with a proper diagnosis, and we’re committed to providing the support you need every step of the way.

Book an appointment with City Physio Today

At City Physio, we understand the impact heel pain can have on your daily life. Our team of experienced physiotherapists is dedicated to helping you find relief and improve your foot health. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, including personalised exercise programs, remedial massage, and dry needling, all tailored to address the root cause of your heel pain.

Don’t let heel pain hold you back any longer. We’re conveniently located in the Adelaide CBD, so schedule an appointment with City Physiotherapy today to start your journey towards a pain free heel spur. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.

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