Sufferers of heel spurs experience pain at the bottom of their heels. They can often pin point the exact place where it hurts, but at times the pain can cover the whole area of the heel. Usually this is caused by ‘overload’, for example too much standing, walking for too long or intense exercise – many runners suffer from this condition. Obesity, poor posture or poor footwear can all be contributors to this condition.
When this occurs, the pressure on the tendon, the one from the toes to the heel, gets too much. Calcification of the heel bone starts and a pointy protuberance grows. Many people may have radiographic visible heel spurs yet have no pain or complaints. Usually the pain arises when the tissue becomes inflamed or irritated. This can be very painful indeed, especially first thing in the morning when getting up, after sitting for long periods of time, when walking or even when driving.