Heel spurs, also known as calcaneal spurs, are bony lumps that form on the heel bone. Heel spurs can be painful, but for most people, they're not a serious health concern. However, for diabetics, heel spurs can be very serious. Here are five things that diabetics need to know about heel spurs.
Why are heel spurs serious for diabetics?
Diabetes can lead to a lot of foot problems, and these problems can make seemingly minor conditions, like heel spurs, more serious. Diabetes can damage both the nerves and the blood vessels in your feet, with serious consequences.
If your nerves are damaged, your ability to feel pain may be diminished, and in severe cases, you may not be able to feel any pain at all. This makes it easier for problems like heel spurs to go undetected. Calluses may form on top of your heel spurs without you noticing, and calluses can lead to ulcers in diabetics.
If your blood vessels are damaged, your feet will have a diminished ability to heal and fight off infections due to the decreased blood flow. If an ulcer forms as a result of your heel spurs, treatment will be difficult, and you may end up needing to have your foot amputated.
What are the signs of heel spurs?
If you have heel spurs, you may find a lump on the back of your heel or underneath your heel. This lump will feel hard when you press against it.
For non-diabetics, these spurs can make things like walking or wearing shoes painful, but if your nerves have been damaged, you may not feel any pain.
Why do heel spurs form?
The cause of heel spurs is still a matter of debate among the podiatric community. Some researchers think that the condition is caused by the repetitive friction of the plantar fascia, a tissue that supports your arch, against the heel bone. According to this theory, this friction leads to inflammation and the creation of new bone tissue in the area. The source of this friction may be shoes that don't support your feet, like shoes that are worn out or don't fit well.
Other researchers think that these spurs form from vertical compression. This compression may be due to obesity or standing for long periods of time on hard floors.
How are they treated?
The best treatment option is prevention, make sure to choose supportive shoes that fit properly and replace them before they get worn out. Your podiatrist can help you select appropriate shoes. If you're obese, try to lose weight so that there is less compression on your feet. If you need to stand all day at work, ask your employer to provide a padded floor mat or a chair to make you more comfortable.
If you develop heel spurs, your podiatrist can offer treatments like corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and discomfort. You may be given custom-made orthotics to help cushion your heel and prevent friction; this may allow the spurs to heal. As a last resort, surgery can also be performed to remove the bone spurs.
Are heel spurs common?
Heel spurs are a very common condition. Studies have shown that the prevalence of this condition in the general population is 38%. They are more common among older people than in younger people and more common among women than in men. Since they're so common, all diabetics need to be aware of the risk that heel spurs pose.
If you notice hard lumps on the back or underside of your heel, you may have heel spurs. These spurs are a major problem for diabetics, so see your podiatrist right away to avoid complications. Someone who handles podiatric sports medicine or another specialist may be able to help you handle the condition.
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