If you want you feet to last, to give you the support you’ll need to do the things you want to do, you will need to take care of them.  Most of us abuse our feet during the summer or if we’re in a warm client. We don’t realize that our feet are open to many problems because they do so much, like keep us upright!

The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that runs from the base of your heel to the base of your toes. Heel spurs begin when there’s a partial separation between this tissue and the heel bone. Sometimes this injury causes new bone growth in the affected area that projects out into the flesh of the foot. This is very painful because you can’t put any pressure on the foot. They may be caused by standing on your feet all day, wearing worn out shoes, if you are carry too much weight, or if you’re jumping up and down because you’re an aerobics teacher. A heel spur can feel as if you have a rock wedged in your heel. The pain is intense especially after you rest a while. Actually, the more you walk the better it feels .

Treatment is resting your foot and applying heat with a heating pad or hot water soak. When wearing shoes place a half-inch thick heel pad in your shoe to help cushion the pain and absorb the shock. Sometimes arch supports help take the pressure off your heel.

Again, when it comes to your feet, the best treatment is prevention. There’s an excellent digital book you can download right now that tells you everything you wanted to know about heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Click on Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Guide if you’re interesting in finding out more about treatments  and prevention. I do want you to know I receive a commission if you purchase the book but I wouldn’t recommend it unless I thought it worth your while.

You can prevent heel spurs by stretching your feet and allowing them to relax throughout the day. Remove your shoes several times a day and flex and point your feet and rotate your ankles, especially after your exercise. Above all, wear comfortable shoes.  If heal padding and your home therapy doesn’t work it’s time to see your doctor. Your podiatrist may use steroid injections for temporary relief or recommend custom orthotics. As a last resort your doctor can perform surgery to remove the spur.

To your success at health and aging.
Ruthan Brodsky