Diabetes and your shoe choice: what should you pay attention to?
Have you ever heard of the term “diabetic feet”? So, what is it? And does it affect your shoe choice? We’ll tell you all about it.
28 October 2020
Help! I have heel spurs
What exactly is heel spur? People with heel spurs experience pain at the bottom of their heel. This pain feels like a sharp, stabbing sensation in the heel. An inflammation develops in the heel, leading to the formation of a small bony growth on the heel, known as a heel spur. The pain and discomfort are particularly noticeable while walking, making everyday activities more difficult. Heel spurs, also known under the name plantar fasciitis, are a common condition that many people experience, especially as they age. With plantar fasciitis, the pain is primarily felt in the heel. Pain when moving, such as walking or running, is one of the main symptoms of heel spurs. It is important to rest adequately. Wearing good shoes can also help reduce the pain caused by plantar fasciitis. In practice, the terms heel spur, plantar fasciitis, and inflammation of the plantar fascia are often used interchangeably.
The cause of heel spurs
People with heel spurs can often pinpoint the exact location of the pain, though the entire bottom of the heel may also feel bruised. Several factors can contribute to the development of a heel spur. Most commonly, the cause is overuse, such as standing for too long, excessive walking, or intense physical activity – a problem familiar to many runners. Being overweight, having poor posture, or wearing unsuitable footwear can also play a role.
How heel spurs develop
The result is that the tension on the tendon running from the toes to the heel becomes too great. At the point where this tendon attaches to the heel bone, calcium deposits build up, causing a thorn-like protrusion to form. Many people may have visible heel spurs on X-rays but experience no symptoms. Usually, the pain occurs only when the surrounding tissue becomes irritated or inflamed. This can cause significant discomfort. For example, in the morning when getting out of bed, after sitting for a while, when walking, or even while driving.
Advice for heel spur shoes
The best remedy is to avoid overuse. It’s important to take plenty of rest, as this can reduce both inflammation and pain. Wearing good shoes for heel spurs with shock absorption in the heel can lessen the pain while also reducing the tension on the affected tendon, thus addressing the root cause. Opt for Wolky shoes with soft, springy soles, such as the Roll Moc, UP², Wally, or Blocks lines. These shoes have a cushioned walking sole and a highly shock-absorbing footbed, providing optimal weight distribution. If you prefer a stylish sneaker, consider the Bounce, which has a cushioned sole that makes it an excellent choice for women with heel spurs. The Steel collection also features a good sole. Special gel heel pads placed on or under the Wolky footbed offer considerable relief. There are also specialised heel spur insoles that can replace the Wolky footbeds in your shoes. Custom-made orthotics may also provide a solution by reducing pressure on the foot and supporting the plantar fascia. Physiotherapy may also help. Certain exercises for heel spurs can improve flexibility and strengthen the foot muscles, thereby reducing pain.
If you suspect you have a heel spur, it is advisable to make an appointment with a podiatrist or orthopaedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment advice. It is important to take the condition seriously and take appropriate steps to relieve the pain and promote healing. It may take some time before the pain fully subsides, but with the right treatment and care, you can eventually resume your daily activities without discomfort.
Read our blog on shoes with good cushioning.
Good shoes for heel spurs
These Wolky shoes are suitable for those dealing with heel spur issues. They provide shock absorption, flexibility, and feature a resilient outsole.
Tips against heel spurs
- Avoid stiff shoes with hard soles.
- You can temporarily relieve pain by icing your heel with ice cubes.
- Use gel heel pads that can be placed on or under the Wolky footbed, or use special insoles that replace our footbeds.
- Heel spurs often develop after the summer due to frequent walking barefoot and/or wearing slippers. Try to avoid this as much as possible during the summer.
- Stretch your calf muscle daily. This can be easily done on the stairs. You can also grab your toes and try to straighten your leg.
- Avoid overuse, but keep moving/walking!
- Don’t walk in high heels, as they shorten the calf muscle.
- Pain while driving? If you have cruise control, use it as much as possible.
- For persistent symptoms, visit your GP or podiatrist.
Need personal advice? Don't hesitate to contact out customer service team!
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