A heel spur can restrict the everyday life of those affected considerably when every step becomes agony. Although there are some options for getting rid of the pain, they require a good deal of patience.
Risk factors for heel spurs
Heel spurs are usually caused by long-term chronic overuse. Some causes develop over a number of years. They include:
- Being overweight
- Exercising without warming up first
- Standing or walking for long periods every day
- Unsuitable footwear (too small, too tight, heels too high)
Prevent heel spurs
To prevent a heel spur from developing in the first place, consider the following measures:
Warm up properly before you exercise.
If you have any biomechanical imbalance, correct it with proper shoes or insoles.
Wear shoes with cushioning soles and stable heels.
Try to lose weight if you are overweight.
Plan recovery phases to avoid excessive strain.
If you are planning activities that will put your feet under additional strain, you can do specific exercises to train your feet in readiness.
Avoid standing on hard surfaces for long periods.
Walking barefoot on soft ground promotes natural foot movement.
