Bone Spurs: Most Important Causes and Treatment Methods (Heel Pain)

The bone thorn

The bone thorn It is a thorn found in the heel of every one of ten normal people. In fact, the heel thorn is not the real cause of heel pain, which prompted doctors to stop the heel fork removal operations. Where the pain may result from tears and infections in the plantar fasciitis. So, what are the causes of plantar fasciitis, also known as plantar fasciitis? What are the most important symptoms, and ways to prevent and treat them?

plantar fasciitis;

The plantar fascia is a fibrous, net-like tissue that protects the sole of the foot. It extends from the heel of the foot to the toes. Its importance is due to the fact that it plays a major role in maintaining the arch in the foot, and absorbing shocks during movement. However, overloading this tissue may lead to the risk of lacerations and inflammation in the plantar fascia, resulting in pain at the bottom of the heel.

Among the contributing factors to fasciitis is the lack of softness in the calf muscles behind the shin bone, and excessive exercise, which helps in the occurrence of rupture and inflammation.

Symptoms of a bone fork

A common complaint for people with plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot near the heel or sometimes in the lower midfoot area. Usually one foot is affected, but both feet can be affected.

The most susceptible to plantar fasciitis are active people between the ages of 40 to 60 years. It is also more common in women than in men. Especially pregnant women who may suffer from it, especially during late pregnancy.

The pain resulting from the bone fork gradually develops from a mild pain to a sharp pain, causing heel stiffness over time. The pain is usually more severe when getting up, when lying down or sitting for some time, or when climbing stairs.

Exercising for a period of time may also lead to increased inflammation, but sufferers may not feel the pain of the bone thorn until immediately after the end of the activities.

Causes of plantar fasciitis

There are many causes of plantar fasciitis. Among the most important reasons:

1. Weight gain

Being overweight or obese may increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis, and this occurs as a result of the extra weight pressing on the plantar fascia ligaments. Especially if you are exposed to sudden weight gain.

2. Exercise

Long-distance runners, or if you do activities that require a lot of standing on your feet, are more likely to develop a bone spurs.

3. Foot problems

One of the reasons for the bone thorn is also suffering from structural problems in the foot, such as flat feet (flat feet) or high arches. Wearing shoes with soft soles and poor arch support can also lead to plantar fasciitis.

Diagnostic methods

In order to diagnose plantar fasciitis, the doctor will perform a foot examination to check the location of the pain. And to see if the pain gets worse with flexing the foot, and whether there is swelling or mild redness. The doctor may evaluate muscle strength and nerve health By checking:

  • muscle strength
  • balance
  • reaction
  • Sense of touch

An MRI or x-ray may also be required to ensure that there are no other causes of heel pain.

Osteoarthritis treatment

Plantar fasciitis treatment may include some conservative and medical treatments. Among the treatment methods:

1. Conservative treatments

Conservative treatments for plantar fasciitis, with most cases improving within a few months, may include:

  1. Take anti-inflammatory medications as the first steps to treat plantar fasciitis, such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
  2. Provide comfort to the foot.
  3. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes 3 to 4 times a day to reduce swelling.
  4. Doing exercises to strengthen the muscles of the lower leg, such as stretching exercises for the calf muscle and the plantar fascia.
  5. Use arch supports (silicone cushion) when wearing shoes.
  6. The use of night splints, which help avoid stiffness of the calf muscle, and provide an extension of the arch of the foot.
  7. Getting rid of excess weight.
  8. Reducing walking rates in order to allow the plantar fascia tears to heal.

However, the doctor may resort to using plasma injections or local injections using cortisone injections, which usually contain corticosteroid medicine, by injecting it directly into the damaged part of the ligament in the event that the pain does not decrease.

2. Natural oils

Some studies indicate that the use of volatile oils may help reduce pain and inflammation in certain cases. Among those oils:

But you must make sure to dilute the volatile oil before using it in a foot massage, with another carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil.

3. Physiotherapy

An essential part of treatment for a thorn splint is physical therapy, which may help stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendons, such as the use of the shock wave technique.

4. Surgical intervention

But if the heel pain continues for a long period of time, ranging from 6 to 12 months, the doctor may recommend surgical intervention. However, it is not resorted to unless all other treatment options have been exhausted.

How to prevent plantar fasciitis

In order to prevent bone spurs (plantar fasciitis), the following is recommended:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Wear arch support shoes
  • Replace your sneakers regularly
  • Avoid frequent running
  • Avoid walking barefoot
  • Do low-impact exercises such as swimming and cycling

And if you suffer from heel and toe pain, you can seek medical advice from a certified orthopedic doctor through this link.