How long do heel spurs last

If you concentrate too much on a heel spur, you could miss the true underlying problem, he says. The foot is a complex structure of ligaments, tendons and bones. So heel and foot pain can come from a variety of sources, Dr. Davis says the first step is to understand where in the foot you feel the most pain: Is it in the heel , arch or toes? Full recovery from heel pain takes, on average, six months to resolve with appropriate treatment, Dr. You can help yourself by following these tips:.

Wear appropriate shoes for your activity. Buy the right shoes. Use extra padding or arch support to alleviate sore bones and relieve pressure. Show your feet some love. Heel spurs are often discovered only through X-rays and other tests done for another foot issue.

Heel spurs are directly caused by long-term muscle and ligament strain. Eventually, this excessive strain stresses the heel bone calcaneus causing spurs. Heel spurs develop over time. Heel spurs tend to occur when you ignore early symptoms like heel pain. Repetitive stress from walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces is a common cause of heel spurs.

Many people who have heel spurs also have plantar fasciitis. This painful condition deals with the tough, fibrous tissue that runs between your heel and toes. Having plantar fasciitis increases your risk for eventually developing heel spurs. A heel spur is a bony projection that occurs from the bottom of the heel along the course of the plantar fascia.

It will vary in size but is usually not larger than half an inch. A heel spur may have no symptoms associated with it. This occurs because of an abnormal force being placed on it. Excess weight, overuse, or wearing shoes without a supporting arch can cause an abnormal force. As a general rule, plantar fasciitis will subside on its own over a period of time regardless of the treatment.

A heel spur will be there permanently, unless surgery is required. Fortunately, surgery is rarely needed. Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. This is because the symptoms are similar to other forms of heel pain and foot problems. They can then detect a heel spur through an X-ray. You can book an appointment with an orthopedist in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool.

Before ordering imaging tests, your doctor will conduct a physical examination of your foot to look for any signs of redness or inflammation. Your doctor will also check for any noticeable tenderness on the foot.

Tenderness is another indication of a heel spur. Your podiatrist may also have you do physical tests, such as standing on one foot at a time, as well as taking a brief walk.

Heel spur treatment primarily consists of rest and lifestyle changes. Talk to your doctor about the following treatment options for heel spurs. Using ice packs or cold compresses for up to 15 minutes at a time may help relieve heel spur pain by temporarily numbing the area.

This method also helps reduce swelling. Cold compresses are preferable over heat packs for heel spurs because heat works better for joint and muscle aches. For severe pain, your podiatrist may recommend corticosteroid shots. These anti-inflammatory injections help to ease both pain and inflammation throughout the heel and arch of the foot.

Acute, or short-term, pain may be reduced with the help of over-the-counter OTC pain medications. These may include acetaminophen Tylenol , aspirin , or ibuprofen Advil, Motrin. Your podiatrist may recommend physical therapy as a way to learn and practice exercises to prevent long-term pain, especially since anti-inflammatory medications can only be safely taken for a short amount of time.

Having diabetes is also a risk factor for plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis usually goes away without treatment. Heel spurs, on the other hand, are permanent unless medically treated. If heel spurs are caused by an inflammatory type of arthritis, treatments for the underlying condition may also improve symptoms. The outlook for heel spurs is positive. The calcium deposit will always be there unless surgically removed, but this is not normally problematic, as treatments to reduce pain and swelling tend to be effective.

In cases where treating the symptoms is not effective, surgery to remove the heel spur is possible. Toe cramps can have a variety of causes. Learn more about the causes of toe cramps and how to treat them here. This article takes a look at some foot exercises for strength, flexibility, and pain relief. It also covers safety tips to prevent discomfort.

People can prevent ingrown toenails by cutting the nails properly. However, cutting an already ingrown nail at home can make it worse. This article…. This article looks at the structure of the foot — including bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons — and some of the common conditions that affect it. The location of pain in the foot can help doctors determine the underlying cause.

Depending on the cause, foot pain may or may not require medical…. Heel spurs: What you need to know. Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Overview Symptoms Causes Risk factors Heel spurs vs. What is a heel spur? Share on Pinterest Symptoms of heel spurs may include heat radiating from the affected area, a dull ache in the heel, and a sharp pain in the heel when standing.