Body pain in any part would make us feel uncomfortable, and it also tends to restrict our daily activities. Similarly, there is pain in the heels, which is very common among people, and it is a troublesome pain for people. It is caused when the buildup of calcium increases at the edges of the bone. It is commonly found at the back or the underside of the heel bone. One can determine the pain and also ensure that there is a bone spur through an x-ray.
As there is knowledge about the pain in your heels, it is equally important to know about the causes and the treatment tips for the spurs. So, in this article, we will understand some of the common causes and treatment methods of the spurs. You can consult an expert podiatrist to know more about the spurs and how to solve them. There are various podiatrists, such as Tucson podiatrists, who can help you understand the disease and tips that you can take to solve the spurs.
What is a Bone Spur?
A bone spur is commonly associated with plantar fasciitis. It is a condition in which the soft tissue of the heels that spans the soles from the heels to the toe becomes inflamed. There is overstretching of plantar fascia, and the membrane covering the heel bone sometimes tears, causing pain.
These bone spurs are also known as osteophytes, where small bony projections are developed along the edges of the bones, especially near the joints. It is said that these bone spurs mainly occur in people due to the aging process. However, they can also occur due to various other issues, such as joint damage, inflammation, and other underlying conditions.
What are the Causes of Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs can be caused due to various reasons, such as osteoarthritis, which is a condition that causes cartilage in joints to break down. When there is a wearing down of cartilage, the bones and joints may begin to rub against each other, and this leads to the formation of bony projections in the form of spurs. However, there are also various reasons for bone spurs, and they are as follows:
- Chronic inflammation, such as from conditions such as tendinitis or plantar fasciitis, can lead to the formation of bone spurs.
- Your posture also affects bone spurs. Poor posture, repetitive movements, and other such activities can put pressure on specific joints and contribute to the development of bone spurs.
- Injury or trauma to a joint or bone can trigger the formation of spurs.
- In some cases, genetic issues lead to bone spurs in a person.
What are the Symptoms of Bone Spurs?
Bone spur symptoms are not often visible, and they remain asymptomatic until they become more extensive. Therefore, many people have them without even realizing it. However, there are some common symptoms that you can find about the bone spurs and they are as follows:
- Pain is the first symptom that you will face with bone spurs. The bone spurs press the nearby nerves, tendons, and other tissues, which leads to pain and discomfort. There are many areas for this pain, such as shoulders, spine, hips, knees, and feet.
- The presence of bone spurs in a joint can reduce various ranges of motion, which can lead to stiffness and difficulty moving.
- In some cases, bone spurs can lead to muscle weakness by impinging on the nerves that control muscle function.
- If the bone spur compresses the nerves to a large extent, it can cause numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the affected area.
If you are diagnosed with bone spurs, you must receive proper medications and treatment to ensure that they don’t severely affect you.
