When people hear about heel pain treatment, many assume that it's just a matter of getting better fitting shoes.
Nothing could be farther from the truth.
In reality treatments may vary and the core problem that needs be addressed may be caused by heel spur symptoms.
What is heel spur? This is a calcium deposit that develops on the bottom side of an individual's heel.
As the name suggests, the bony segment of this calcium deposit looks like a spur.
If a person suffers from this condition, x-rays will reveal a small growth that is slightly hook-like in appearance.
This growth constitutes a heel spur.
What are heel spur symptoms? Normally, the deposit causes no pain.
Its growth remains its current size unless something else happens.
For it to increase in dimensions, the plantar fascia ligament of the foot must experience severe tension.
Tension may later develop if this ligament suddenly stretches.
For instance, overexertion of the foot caused by activities requiring physical exertion or significant weight gain placed on the foot can cause it to become swollen.
Once swelling happens, the condition is known as plantar fasciitis.
What are the possible causes? Heel spur symptoms happen because this is the body's way of attempting to repair itself while adapting to changes.
Think of it as your own survival tactic.
Whenever something different occurs, your body will adapt a sink or swim philosophy.
In this case, the body builds extra bone as an answer to the mounting pressure, rubbing, and continued stress occurring over long periods.
Heel spurs are formed as the body's response to tight ligaments.
Dancing and running are also common culprits since these activities puts much stress on the feet.
Many times, people also have this problem for fear of becoming overweight.
Those who insist on wearing poorly fitted shoes also are at risk.
Tight shoes can cause spur formations if the practice continues.
At times, heel spurs also come about as people age.
As people become older, cartilage which covers bone endings naturally break down.
In some cases, these may eventually wear away giving way to problems such as osteoarthritis.
With age also comes a chance for disc breakdowns.
This can happen especially in the spinal area.
The discs found in our body, which offers cushion between spinal bones can eventually break down as a person ages.
What are available heel pain treatments? Heel pain treatments may vary depending on a case-to-case basis.
Some individuals may already be satisfied with ice therapy.
This method uses ice application on the problematic area to relieve unwanted pain.
Other people may find exercising useful.
Regular stretching exercises can lead to less swelling and pain if done properly.
For other patients, flaxseed paste application is yet another solution.
Crushed flaxseed combined with water, turns into paste and makes yet another great remedy to bring down the swelling.
Since making it is quite easy, a patient can easily make this at home.
If you are suffering from this problem and wish to know all possible heel spur treatments, visit your doctor now.
Your physician can suggest remedies that will help you deal with your situation.
He or she can also direct you to a specialist in case you need further care.