What is a heel spur?
Heel spur is a common foot complaint where a small calcification forms on the heel bone. This calcification itself usually does not cause pain, but irritation of the surrounding tendons and tissues can lead to severe heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long sitting.
Causes of heel spurs
Heel spurs often develop due to prolonged overuse of the plantar fascia under the foot. Common causes are:
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Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces
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Intense sports without good shock absorption
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Poorly fitting or worn-out footwearDennis Verboom
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Overweight, causing extra pressure on the feet
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Abnormal foot posture, such as flat feet or high arches
Symptoms of heel spurs
Heel spur pain is usually most severe:
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When getting up in the morning (start-up pain)
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After prolonged sitting
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After sports or intense walking
Often the pain feels sharp and stabbing in the middle or inside of the heel.
Treatment and recovery
Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce heel spur pain and speed up recovery:
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Rest and offloading – Avoid excessive strain.
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Good shoe choice – Choose shoes with sufficient cushioning and support.
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Stretching exercises – Especially for the calf muscles and plantar fascia.
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Cooling – Ice can help with inflammatory reactions.
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Support insoles or inserts – These provide extra support and better distribute pressure.
Preventing heel spurs
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Always wear well-fitting shoes, especially when playing sports.
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Build up sports activities gradually.
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Keep your weight stable to avoid extra pressure on your feet.
Products that help with heel spurs
Soon you will find here a selection of products that can help relieve heel spurs, such as:
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Special heel spur insoles
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Night splints
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Shock-absorbing heels
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Compression socks