Specialty orthotics: avoid heels spurs, treat pain

Your feet are important; there’s no way around it.  When you feel something wrong, you want relief. Heel spurs, for example, may result from structural imbalances in the foot; inflammation and pain sometimes results. According to the Arizona Institute of Footcare Physicians, more than 75 percent of Americans suffer from foot problems. Specialty orthotics may be one way to help certain conditions.

You wear orthotics inserts in your shoes. They provide physiological and structural integrity for problematic areas. Specialty items that include heel seats work to stretch problematic ligaments.They increase heel pad density, reduce pressure on spurs and work as heel lifts, too.

Plantar fasciitis or heel spur?

A heel spur is a pointed calcium deposit that grows underneath the heel or on the back of it, usually over time. It is actually a common problem from an outgrowth of the bone which protrudes into the flesh of the foot; it can result from plantar fasciitis. Some say the pain feels like a pin or knife jabbing your foot. But not all heel spurs cause pain. And if you do experience pain, it may originate from injured soft tissue.

Multiple causes

Typically, calcaneus injuries are caused by straining your foot muscle and stretching the plantar fascia. You may be more prone if you jog, walk, jump, or run on hard surfaces; wear old shoes that lack support or don’t fit well; are obese; suddenly gain weight (such as a pregnancy); walk with excess pronation of your foot; or have gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

Natural treatments

Diagnosis is made via X-ray. Physical activity can be a good natural treatment. While it may initially hurt to step on a heel spur after being inactive, continual walking should help to reduce the pain, as should stretching exercises. Wear extra-cushioned shoes to avoid irritating inflammation. Apply ice, especially after experiencing sharp pain. Don’t do any activities that aggravate the spur.