Just like the spurs that cowboys sport, bone spurs are projections capable of causing great pain. Older people are prone to heel spurs because as you age, there is an increasing likelihood of developing heel trouble. In addition, as you grow older, the natural fat pads that cushion the sole of your foot including your heel can wear down, like pads under a carpet. They do not provide the shock absorption they once did.

When repeated stress and strain occur on the heel bone and surrounding soft tissue, the body attempts to protect itself by forming heel bone spurs. This kind of pain is usually felt at the bottom of your heel. Quite often, the heel pain is worse in the morning because of tightness and stiffening that happens during the night.

Heel spurs are the result of plantar fasciitis which is an inflammation in the ligament that runs from the heel to the toes. Heel spurs are soft deposits of calcium that are caused by the tension and swelling that is common of plantar fasciitis.

Causes of Bone Spurs:

1.) Flat or excessively arched feet

2.) Too much activity

3.) Being overweight

4.) Wearing shoes with little or no support

Treatment for Bone Spurs:

1.Try Massage - Gently massaging the heel really helps. Stroking the pained area brings up extra blood, further reducing inflammation.

2.Throw Away The Worn Ones - Shoes should be replaced every 300 to 350 miles.

3.Try Over-The-Counter Drugs - It is recommended over-the-counter anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen to reduce pain caused by bone spurs and reduce further inflammation.

4.Apply Heat - Keep inflammation in check with daily heat applications. Hold a heating pad or a hot-water bottle, as warm as can be tolerated and wrapped in a towel, on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes four to five times a day.

5.Reduce Inflammation - Acute pain can be reduced by applying ice to the inflamed area four to five times a day. Hold an ice pack wrapped in a towel or cloth on the area for 10 minutes, then remove the pack for another 10 minutes.

6.Try Padded Cell - When you are buying new shoes, select supportive, well-padded shoes - the kind with shock-absorbing insoles and a rigid heel support.

7.Avoid Flat Shoes - Unless you find that they really provide adequate support and shock absorption, steer clear of flat shoes.

8.Losing Weight to Cure Your Heel Spurs

9.Steroid injections - This is an EXTREMELY painful procedure, and only provides temporary relief.

10.Night splint - Only helps to reduce morning pain, by stretching the plantar fascia while sleeping.

11.Shock wave therapy - Seems to be a good option if nothing else works

12.Stretching - Similar to physical therapy, there are different stretches you can do at home, such as stretching out the calf muscle.

Strengthening and stretching the plantar fascia is also important. Increasing your strength in all the muscles of the foot as well as the calf and entire leg will help to prevent heel spurs from forming.