Heel relief with medical products from RUCK

If patients complain of pain in the back of the sole of the foot, the diagnosis is often heel spurs. The medical aids for heel relief that RUCK provides can provide relief in such cases. However, it is essential to be aware of the typical symptoms, causes and treatment methods for the presentation beforehand.

Heel spur: description, diagnosis and causes

A heel spur is a bony hardening on the heel bone that has a thorn-like shape. This inflammatory condition often causes chronic irritation, which is accompanied by severe pain when the foot is overloaded.

In most cases, a definitive diagnosis is made by an orthopaedic surgeon. X-ray, ultrasound or MRI scans usually provide the necessary information.

These signs point to a heel spur

Typically, a heel spur manifests as a pressing pain in the heel bone that occurs when stepping down. The health problems can be felt in both the upper and lower parts of the heel bone. They improve when the foot is at rest. However, they are present when standing and walking. If the deformity is at an advanced stage, the pain often stays even if the foot is inactive. Those affected usually describe the pain as stabbing or piercing.

Main presentations of heel spurs

Heel spurs are often caused by inflammation of the arch of the foot, which can include the condition itself or have formed during its course. Excessive or incorrect weight-bearing is frequently responsible for the ossification. In addition, the following factors can be decisive:

• Malalignment of the foot
• Obesity
• Inappropriate footwear
• Over-exertion during sport
• Tendon shortening

Treatment methods: Taking the weight off the heel is key

The first and most important step in treating heel spurs is always to take the weight off the heel. The rest period is intended to deliver the result that the inflammation subsides, thereby reducing the pain. You must therefore advise your patients to take a break from walking, standing and exercise.

Products designed to relieve pressure on the heel also provide helpful support during the healing process. The RUCK online shop offers, amongst other things, fabric bandages with integrated gel heel cups for this purpose, which help to reduce pressure. RUCK’s heel cushions also relieve pressure and provide comfortable support for the heel whilst standing and walking.

It is also a practical suggestion to avoid wearing unsuitable footwear in future, to use insoles and to cool the affected area regularly. Surgery is only considered in the very rarest of cases. Instead, physiotherapy and regular foot exercises are recommended.

Effectively preventing heel spur health problems

The best way to avoid heel spurs is to ensure that the heel is delivered pressure relief on a permanent basis. This action applies to both leisure activities and everyday working life, as anyone who stands on their feet for long periods every day runs the risk of developing a heel spur at some point.

It is also important to wear comfortable, high-quality shoes. Ideally, these should be designed to support the arch of the foot. Anyone who yet suffers from a foot deformity, or who suspects that this may cause health problems in the future, should seek treatment in good time.

Pathological obesity (adiposity) is also a common trigger for heel spurs and should therefore be ruled out in advance or addressed as soon as possible.

Last but not least, regular exercises that strengthen the foot muscles are practical. They prevent malalignment of the foot and stretch the tendons. One option, for example, is to walk barefoot.