A heel spur is the bony projection of bone on the back inside edge of your heel. An injury can cause it to that area or gradually form from normal wear and tear. The pain associated with a heel spur may vary in intensity depending on where precisely the spur is located and whether or not it’s impinging on a nerve. Podiatrists in Tamarac, FL, can help you manage the condition well. You’ll learn how to prevent the problem from reoccurring again. Look for the best Tamarac heel spurs specialist first. How can you avoid having heel spurs?
- Maintain Healthy Weight
One of the best things you can do for your feet is maintain a healthy weight. That means eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly to keep your body at a healthy weight. Extra pounds put extra pressure on your feet, leading to heel spurs and other problems.
It’s also essential to eat a healthy diet and stay active to prevent chronic diseases such as gout. Gout is a type of arthritis that affects the joints and can cause pain, inflammation, and swelling. It’s more common in overweight people who have high blood pressure, so it’s crucial to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure to avoid this condition.
- Wear Comfortable, Supportive Shoes
One of the best ways to avoid heel spurs is to wear comfortable, supportive shoes. That means finding shoes that fit well and provide good arch support. If you’re going to be on your feet for long periods, make sure to choose comfortable shoes and won’t put too much pressure on your feet. You might also want to wear shoe inserts or orthotic devices to provide extra support.
If you’re unsure what type of shoes to buy, talk to a podiatrist or other foot specialist. They can help you choose the right shoes for your feet and provide custom orthotics if necessary.
- Stretch and Strengthen Your Feet
Stretching and strengthening your feet can also help you avoid heel spurs. Stretching exercises can help loosen the muscles and tendons around your foot and ankle while strengthening exercises can help build up the muscles and support the bones.
One simple way to stretch your feet is to roll them on a tennis ball or golf ball. You can also do toe curls by scrunching your toes up and holding them for a few seconds. To strengthen your feet, try standing on one foot and lifting the other leg off the ground. You can also do heel raises by rising onto your toes and then lowering your heels back down.
Dancing is a great way to strengthen and stretch your feet and improve your balance and coordination. It’s a fun way to get exercise, and it can be a social activity too. There are many different dancing classes available, so find one that suits you and give it a try.
A gym instructor can help you ensure that you perform the exercises correctly and provide modifications as needed. They can also help ensure that you stay safe while performing these exercises.
Heel spurs can be caused by injury or chronic health problems, but they may also form gradually over time from normal wear and tear. To prevent these painful growths, it is vital to maintain a healthy weight and diet, wear comfortable shoes that provide good arch support, and regularly stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons around the foot.
