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Heel spurs (calcaneal spurs) facts
A heel spur is a pointed bony outgrowth of the heel bone (the calcaneus bone).
The build-up of calcium deposits under the heel bone cause heel spurs.
Heel spurs under the sole of the foot (plantar area) are associated with plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament at the bottom of the foot).
Heel pain is a common symptom of heel spurs.
Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis can occur alone or be related to underlying diseases.
Heel spurs are treated by anti-inflammatory medications, orthotics, and other measures that decrease the associated inflammation and avoid reinjury.
Heel spurs under the sole of the foot (plantar area) are associated with inflammation of the plantar fascia (plantar fasciitis), the "bowstring-like" ligament stretching underneath the sole that attaches at the heel. Plantar heel spurs cause localized tenderness and heel pain made worse when stepping down on the heel.
Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis can occur alone or be related to underlying diseases that cause arthritis (inflammation of the joints), such as reactive arthritis (formerly called Reiter's disease), ankylosing spondylitis, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). It is important to note that heel spurs may cause no symptoms at all and may be incidentally discovered during X-ray exams taken for other purposes.
Heel spurs are treated by measures that decrease the associated inflammation and avoid reinjury. Local ice applications both reduce pain and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil), or injections of cortisone, are often helpful.
Orthotic devices or shoe inserts are used to take the pressure off plantar spurs (donut-shaped insert), and heel lifts can reduce stress on the Achilles tendon to relieve painful bone spurs at the back of the heel. Similarly, sports running shoes with soft, cushioned soles can be helpful in reducing irritation of inflamed tissues from heel spurs. Infrequently, surgery is performed on chronically inflamed spurs.
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