Collection: Heel spur

What are heel spurs and plantar fasciitis?

Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are different things, but they are often linked. Plantar fasciitis is actually what causes the symptoms – it is an irritation where the plantar fascia attaches under the foot, which can develop if you walk a lot, run, stand on hard floors or wear shoes without support. A heel spur is the bony deposit that sometimes forms over time when the same area has been irritated for a long time. The typical sign is extra pain with the first steps in the morning or when you get up after sitting still. Many people describe it as a sharp, “stabbing” sensation just in front of the heel that appears as soon as the foot bears weight.

Common heel spur symptoms – how to recognize them

You often feel a sharp pain under the heel when you walk, especially with the first steps in the morning or when you get up after sitting still. Many people find that the heel hurts even more when walking barefoot on hard surfaces. The pain is usually located just in front of the heel, where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone, and over time it can lead to irritation of the attachment – this is what is often mistaken for the “spur” itself causing the pain. Typical symptoms are pain under the heel, pain on the inside of the heel or a stabbing sensation when you put weight on the foot. If the symptoms affect your daily life for a longer period, you usually need offloading to reduce the pain and prevent overloading the plantar fascia. The right aids can often make a big difference within just a few weeks.

Why do you get heel spurs?

It is not uncommon to start noticing a sore heel without really understanding why. Most often it is because the foot has had to work a little too hard for a long time, for example if you stand a lot at work, have started training more intensively than usual or walk a lot on hard floors – especially without the right shoes. This can overstrain an important structure under the foot called the plantar fascia. Other factors can also play a part – such as having a high or low arch, wearing shoes without proper support or perhaps weighing a little more than the foot can carry in the long run. Age can also have an effect, as the tissues of the foot become less elastic over time and do not absorb loads as well as they used to. So why do you get heel spurs? Usually because the foot is exposed to more than it is built for, without getting the right support and recovery.

Effective treatment of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis

Heel spurs or plantar fasciitis can cause severe pain and greatly reduce your ability to stay active. Many people experience pain under the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or when putting weight on the foot after rest. The symptoms are commonly located where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone – an area that easily becomes irritated when overloaded. Effective treatment is primarily about reducing pain and offloading the foot. Self-care plays a central role. Many people with heel spur problems notice an improvement by using orthopedic insoles or shock-absorbing soles. Custom insoles with extra arch support and a soft surface under the heel can help relieve pain and reduce pressure on the attachment. For some, heel cups for heel spurs also help, especially if they walk a lot on hard surfaces. In addition to offloading, simple exercises you can do at home can be an important part of treatment. Stretching the calf muscles and the plantar fascia reduces tension in the area and supports healing. Taping the heel and arch, sometimes called heel spur taping, can also act as temporary support and reduce the load on the attachment. In some cases, when the symptoms do not go away with self-care, shockwave therapy for heel spurs may be an option. The treatment stimulates blood circulation and can speed up healing in the area around the attachment. It is often used as an intermediate step before more advanced care becomes necessary. According to information for healthcare professionals, shockwave therapy can have an effect after just a couple of sessions. Other aids such as night splints, soft shoes or offloading insoles may also be worth trying – especially if you have been in pain for a long time. It is important to choose good shoes with good heel cushioning, especially if you walk a lot or have a job where you stand all day. Getting suitable shoes and insoles can reduce the risk of overloading your foot while you recover. In summary: effective heel spur treatment is based on early offloading, regular exercises and adapting your daily life so that your foot gets the right support. For the vast majority, the symptoms go away with the right self-care and aids – but it takes patience and consistency.

Offload the heel – the best products for heel spurs

If you have a heel spur, the heel should be offloaded to reduce pain and give the plantar fascia time to heal. The following aids can do a lot to relieve the symptoms. Orthopedic insoles with arch support and a soft, shock-absorbing heel cup can reduce pressure on the attachment. Many people also find relief by using heel cups for heel spurs, especially if they walk a lot on hard surfaces. If your heel has started to hurt when you walk, taping the heel and arch can also provide temporary relief. It works as extra support that helps stabilize the arch of the foot. Shock-absorbing shoes and offloading insoles are also good options, especially if you stand and walk a lot in your daily life. The most important thing is to reduce the load on the attachment where the pain occurs – with the right products, many people have less pain within just a few weeks.

Frequently asked questions about heel spurs

What is the difference between a heel spur and plantar fasciitis?

A heel spur is a bony deposit that sometimes forms on the underside of the heel bone after long-term irritation. The actual cause of the pain is inflammation at the attachment of the plantar fascia; this is called plantar fasciitis. This means you can have plantar fasciitis without having a visible heel spur.

How long does it take for a heel spur to heal?

Healing time varies from person to person, but most people improve within 6–12 weeks with the right self-care. In some cases it can take longer, especially if the symptoms were present for a long time before treatment started.

How do you treat heel spurs and plantar fasciitis on your own?

Self-care consists of offloading, using orthopedic insoles, stretching and sometimes taping. An important principle is to reduce the load on the heel and avoid activities that make the pain worse. With a heel spur, the foot often needs to recover with the help of the right support.

Which products help most with heel spurs?

Products that are often recommended include heel cups, orthopedic insoles, shock-absorbing shoes and night splints. These aids help reduce pressure on the attachment and support healing. What works best can vary depending on how long you have been in pain and the shape of your foot.

Does shockwave therapy work for heel spurs?

Yes, shockwave therapy for heel spurs can be effective if self-care is not enough. The treatment increases circulation at the attachment and stimulates faster healing. Shockwave therapy is a common method used by healthcare professionals.

Does taping help with heel and arch pain?

Yes, heel spur taping can reduce the load and support the arch. It can be particularly useful on days when you walk or stand a lot. There are different taping methods that can be adapted to how your symptoms feel.

Do heel cups work for heel spurs?

Many people find that heel cups provide quick relief from heel spurs, as they help absorb shock and offload the point where the plantar fascia meets the heel bone. They are one of the most common aids for heel pain.

How do I choose the right insoles or socks?

The right insoles should support the arch, absorb shock and suit the shape of your foot. Socks can also affect comfort – choose models with extra cushioning in the heel. Custom insoles often give the best results if you have had symptoms for a long time.

Can the right shoes prevent heel spurs?

Yes, a shoe with good shock absorption, a firm heel counter and arch support can reduce the risk of developing heel spurs. This is especially important if you often walk on hard surfaces or stand a lot in your daily life.