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Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are the perfect example of a repetitive stress injury.  Walking gait abnormalities place too much stress on the heel bone, the soft tissues, and the connective tissues that attach to the heel.  A hard deposit of calcium is laid down as a protective measure by the body in response to abnormal pulling of the plantar fascia where it attaches to the heel bone.  This deposit is flat and shelf-like, however, since x-rays are taken from the side, looking down along the edge of the shelf in the picture, the spurs appear to be like spikes.  This protrusion can extend forward as much as one-half inch.

The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot.  It is designed to absorb the maximum amount of shock and pressure, since it bears the full weight of the body during walking and running.

A heel spur is an attempt by the body to protect the juncture of the heel bone and plantar fascia, when it is irritated or inflamed due to plantar fasciitis.  The spur itself causes no pain because it does not press on any tissues or nerves.  The pain people feel in the front or bottom of the heel is actually from plantar fasciitis, not the heel spur.

Pain in the back of the heel is probably occurring due to a fascial restriction in the Achilles tendon.

Standard medical treatment usually consists of ice compresses, injections into the heel, stretching exercises, night splints, massage, arch supports, orthotics, muscle stimulation, ultrasound, and surgery.  Surgery that removes the spur usually has no affect on the pain of plantar fasciitis.  None of these treatments addresses the cause of the pain, which are the fascial restrictions and imbalances in the body putting stress on the plantar fascia.

Over 2.5 million new cases of heel pain are recorded each year primarily in adults between the ages of 20 to 85.  It is more prevalent in younger women due to the types of footwear they use on a regular basis and in the 10% to 15% of people over the age of 60.

Windsong Therapy and Wellness begins treatment by balancing the body.  This alone is often enough to reduce pain.  Using specific hands on techniques, we then begin to remove the fascial restriction to relieve stress on the bones, joints, ligaments, and other tissues, which further reduces or eliminates pain. Exercises may then be used to strengthen weak areas, but only after the body is able to perform them correctly. Our goal is to restore function and eliminate pain throughout the body.

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This website last updated on 31 July 2010

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All information available through this Web site is intended for general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice, assessment or treatment of any of the conditions discussed. You should always consult with your medical practitioner or specialist regarding medical care and seek their opinion in relation to your medical condition. Individuals involved in the operation of this site are not responsible for your use of this information or for any information provided in linked sites, articles or pages.  References and copies of source material are available upon request.

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