Prolonged Standing Can Cause Heel Spurs

Various factors such as standing a lot, exercises that force that area, obesity, use of inappropriate shoes, and too flat or hollow foot structure cause heel spurs. Noting that severe pain is experienced in the morning and during the day when walking is first started, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Assoc. Dr. Nihal Özaras recommends cold application to the heel area, rest and physical therapy to reduce pain. Assoc. Dr. Nihal Özaras recommends losing weight in order to reduce the burden on the feet in the long run.

Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Assoc. Dr. Nihal Özaras shared information and important advice about the factors that lead to heel spur that impairs the quality of life.

Those who stand a lot should pay attention…

Stating that there is a structure called the plantar fascia that extends throughout the sole of the foot, Assoc. Dr. Nihal Özaras said, “Inflammation may develop in the plantar fascia as a result of various factors such as standing a lot, exercises that force the area, obesity, use of inappropriate shoes, and too flat or hollow foot structure. This condition is called plantar fasciitis. If plantar fasciitis goes untreated and continues for a long time, a bony protrusion occurs where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel. This structure is also defined as the heel spur.” said.

Complaints impair quality of life

Assoc. Dr. Nihal Özaras said, “However, with prolonged standing or walking, the pain may reappear. These complaints impair the person's quality of life. The size of the heel spur is often not proportional to the severity of the pain.” he said.

Here are ways to reduce pain

Assoc. Dr. Nihal Özaras said that during the exacerbation periods when the complaints are intense, cold application to the sole and heel area, rest, use of anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy are recommended.

“Patients who do not benefit from these methods can be injected into the heel region. In order to prevent the recurrence of complaints in the long term, reducing the load on the feet by losing weight, using soft-soled shoes that support the heel area, and doing plantar fascia stretching exercises regularly are effective methods.