Myths & Facts-Heel pain

Myths & Facts-Heel pain

Heel Spurs Myth 1: “My Heel Pain is Caused By Heel Spurs”

The Truth: Heel  spur is a tiny, bony growth that can look like a knob or lump on an x-ray, it stands to reason why people immediately think they must be causing their heel pain. The opposite is actually true. While heel spurs look a little scary, you have enough tissue surrounding them that they are usually cushioned enough that they do not cause pain.

Heel Spurs Myth 2: “Heel Spurs Cause Plantar Fasciitis”

The Truth:

The opposite is the truth. Heel spurs are not a random phenomenon. They do not form just out of nowhere. In fact, heel spurs form in response to injury. The body tends to overproduce calcium when it is injured to repair injuries to the bones and areas around them. Since plantar fasciitis causes pain and swelling to the tissue along the bottom of the foot by pulling on the heel where it connects, this is where heel spurs tend to form in response to that pain. When the plantar fasciitis is resolved, the heel spurs do not just go away, the way plantar fasciitis can.

In essence, plantar fasciitis causes heel spurs. Not the other way around.

Heel Spurs Myth 3: “Heel Spurs Must Be Surgically Removed”

The Truth: While it is true that heel spurs can cause pain for a very select few people, and those who feel them may choose to have their heel spurs removed, surgery is usually overkill.

If you are facing surgery to remove heel spurs, consider first whether or not a heel spur is what is actually causing your heel pain. You might be surprised to find that your heel pain is actually due to plantar fasciitis. If you remove a heel spur, thinking it is causing your heel pain, but it is actually plantar fasciitis, surgery will not stop your pain.

ALSO READ