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Heel Spurs

The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot. It is the first part of the foot to strike the ground while walking and it supports 50% of your weight while standing. A heel spur is a bony growth that usually begins on the front of the heel bone where the muscle of the foot attaches to the heel bone. In adults, heel spurs usually develop on the underside of the heel bone.

While some heel spurs are painless, others will cause pain on the bottom of the foot and arch and may require medical or surgical treatment. Heel spurs occur in about half of the people who have plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs can irritate nerves and cause pain.

  • Over-stretching the plantar fascia ( the band of tissue that connects the heel to the ball of the foot)
  • Muscle imbalance
  • Structural deformity
  • Obesity
  • Trauma
  • Improper warn-up or over-training
  • Proper fitting footwear (ie: good arch support, heel support, lace/velcro closure)
  • Wear proper shoes for each activity
  • Warm-up stretching before & after exercise
  • Avoid standing on concrete for long periods
  • Seek medical attention:
    1. If the pain in your heel is restricting your activity
      If the pain occurs at night or while resting
      If the pain persists

Clients with diabetes or poor circulation are encouraged to seek professional help.

While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, it is provided for information purposes only. Neither the MAFCN not its members are responsible or liable for any claim or personal injury, which may occur as a result of using this information. Any reliance on the information is solely at the users own risk. It is not the intention of the MAFCN or its member’s to provide specific medical advice but rather to provide users with information to better understand their foot problems. It you have a foot problem please contact a medical professional.