If you’re considering doing a new exercise routine, take care; those who are not used to high impact on their feet are at a higher risk of developing heel spurs.

Heel spurs often form as a result of repetitive strain on the muscles and ligaments in the foot. They can also be aggravated by abnormally stretching the band of tissue connecting the heel and ball of the foot (the plantar fascia).

Since the heel bone is the largest bone in the foot, it absorbs most of the shock and pressure of your daily activities. If your workout is causing your plantar fascia to pull away from your heel area, it may cause calcium deposits to form and make the bony protrusion known as a heel spur to develop.

Here are a few ways that pressure on the feet may cause a heel spur in Philadelphia:

  • Walking. Walking is often recommended as a low-impact exercise, but those who are unaccustomed to walking for long periods may easily aggravate a dormant spur.
  • Running. Running places repetitive strain on the toes, ligaments, and bones of the feet, making it likelier for patients to suffer heel spurs.
  • Aerobics. A new exercise routine should always be done carefully, since sudden jumping, twisting, and landing on the feet exerts pressure on the plantar fascia, leading to a spur. 
  • Athletic shoes. Make sure that your new athletic shoes are properly broken in before you wear them for hours at a time—and that your old, worn-out shoes are no longer used.
  • Stair climbing. Step aerobics may be great for the heart, but they require a significant amount of foot strength and muscle control to avoid landing too hard on the feet.
  • Weight gain. Sometimes the gym is not to blame for a painful foot condition. Patients who have put on a significant amount of weight, such as diabetics and pregnant women, are putting additional strain on their feet, increasing the chance of developing spurs.

If you want to get back into your daily workout routine without pain, the Phoenixville podiatrists at HealthMark Foot & Ankle Associates can help.  Call us today at 610-565-3668 in Media or 610-933-8644 in Phoenixville to set up your first consultation.