Some heel problems can result from poor foot mechanics. If your foot moves incorrectly, the ligaments and tendons can become strained, causing pain and swelling. Also, a bone spur (an extra bone growth) can form. Some spurs can occur when two bones press against each other. Bone spurs can make walking and wearing shoes painful.
The plantar fascia runs from the heel to the ball of the foot. A foot that flattens too much or too little as you move may strain the plantar fascia. The bottom of your foot may hurt when you stand up after resting or after prolonged movement.
To release the plantar fascia from tension, it can be partially cut near the heel bone. To keep you from walking on your foot, you may have to use crutches for a few weeks. As you heal, fibrous tissue fills the space between the heel bone and the plantar fascia.
A heel spur may form when the plantar fascia tugs on the heel bone. The heel spur can then cause painful walking. Also, a nerve may sometimes become trapped. This may also cause or increase foot pain and swelling.
The plantar fascia first may be released. Then, if the nerve is trapped, it also can be released. If the heel spur affects your walking, it may be removed. You may need crutches for a few weeks. As you heal, fibrous tissue will grow between the heel bone and the plantar fascia.
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle at the heel bone at the back of your foot. A tight Achilles tendon may cause a spur to form on the heel bone. Shoes can press and rub on the back of your foot, causing irritation.
The heel spur is removed and the Achilles tendon is repositioned. Your foot will be placed in a cast. To keep you from bearing weight on this foot, you will need crutches for several weeks.
Spurs may grow on top of any of the midfoot joint. They often occur where a metatarsal bone joins a tarsal bone. These spurs may form a bump on the top of the foot. You may feel pain when wearing shoes.
To get rid of the bump, the spur is removed on both sides of the joint. You can bear weight on your foot right after surgery. You will need to wear a surgical shoe for a few weeks.
This procedure involves making only a small skin incision. A tiny power rasp (similar to a dental burr) or a special file is inserted to smooth the bone. After surgery, your foot will be bandaged, but you can walk on it right away. In some cases, you may need to wear a surgical shoe for a few weeks.