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Step 1
Stretching is an easy way to reduce the growth of heel spurs and the pain they cause once formed.
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Step 2
Ice and anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) can also reduce the pain felt by heel spurs.
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Step 3
Losing weight is a key factor in reducing the formation of heel spurs, as every pound of weight lost lessens the strain on the joints.
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Step 4
Ensuring your shoes are a proper fit for activities is important as well, whether walking, running or dancing. Shoe inserts may also help alleviate the pain and reduce the likelihood of more spurs forming.
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Step 5
Physical therapy may be required in more extreme cases. A therapist might use ultrasound or massage and stretching exercises to improve the condition.
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Step 6
If all else fails, a heel spur may be removed surgically. It can usually be spotted on an x-ray. A surgeon can repair or replace the joints, though this is obviously reserved for the most extreme cases.
Comments
memgineer said
on 4/24/2009 Thank you, pamelaa75.
pamelaa75 said
on 4/24/2009 Proper shoes will help this condition. I don't want a heel spur. Good article 5*s and rec
memgineer said
on 3/8/2009 Though they are age-related, it is not a guaranteed condition. Bone spur growth is often correlated with osteoarthritis, which is a condition where the cartilage in the joints breaks down. Some estimates say it affects 25-30% of persons aged 45-64 years, 60% of persons older than 65 years, and more than 80% of persons older than 75 years. (http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1270114-overview)A nice article from the UK on the general condition is at: http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/CG059FullGuideline.pdf
jamaclassics said
on 3/7/2009 Are you sure they're age related? I'm older than dirt but I don't have any.