Spring weather is chasing away the winter blues! Temperatures are mostly staying above freezing, and are actually feeling quite nice for the season. It’s a great time to celebrate Take a Walk in the Park Day, which falls on March 30th each year. Take some time to go outside and enjoy a little spring weather. People with painful heel spurs may be reluctant to enjoy a day that encourages spending a lot of time standing and walking, though. Thankfully, something as simple as shoe changes can make a big difference for the discomfort.
Heel spurs aren’t always painful. They are small, pointed, bony protrusions that develop on the heel bone under stress and pressure. Tightened and stiff connective tissues that pull on the heel bone stimulate the body to lay down excess hard tissue. This then forms a small, pointed bump. In some cases, the little extra bone is small enough that it doesn’t make a difference. Other times it can press against soft tissues and add to any inflammation or swelling, thereby aggravating the foot.
Fortunately there are ways you can take care of the foot to minimize any discomfort from these bony bumps. Most heel pain treatments for conditions like plantar fasciitis also work well for spurs, which means changing your shoes could be very effective.
Reducing the pressure on the heel is one of the main keys to alleviating your pain. This is why changing your shoes and padding the back of your foot can be so helpful. Try wearing footwear with plenty of cushioning in the soles and support in the arch. This relieves some of the stress on the heel. Wearing orthotics or other heel pads may help with the pressure as well.
This isn’t the only treatment available to you. If your heel spurs cause problems and shoe changes aren’t enough, there are other options that may help. Let our team at Podiatry Associates, P.C. in Castle Pines and Parker, CO, help you find the best treatment for your discomfort. Call (303) 805-5156 to make an appointment with us.
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