Calcaneal spur

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Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Calcaneal spur
Synonyms	Heel spur
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Heel pain, foot pain
Complications	Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Can be chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Repetitive stress, obesity, arthritis
Risks	Age, obesity, improper footwear
Diagnosis	Physical examination, X-ray
Differential diagnosis	Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis
Prevention	Proper footwear, weight management
Treatment	Rest, ice, orthotics, physical therapy, surgery
Medication	NSAIDs
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common in adults
Deaths	N/A

An overview of calcaneal spurs, their causes, symptoms, and treatment

File:Calcaneal spur.jpg

Calcaneal spur

Calcaneal Spur

A calcaneal spur, also known as a heel spur, is a bony outgrowth from the calcaneus bone in the foot. These spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition that involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes.

Causes

Calcaneal spurs develop over time due to repeated stress and strain on the foot muscles and ligaments. Common causes include:

• Prolonged standing or walking, especially on hard surfaces
• Excessive weight or obesity
• Poorly fitting or worn-out shoes
• Abnormal walking patterns
• Aging, which can lead to a thinning of the heel's protective fat pad

Symptoms

While calcaneal spurs themselves may not cause symptoms, they are often associated with:

• Sharp pain in the heel, especially when standing up in the morning
• Tenderness and inflammation in the heel area
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a calcaneal spur is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. An X-ray can reveal the presence of a spur on the heel bone.

Treatment

Treatment for calcaneal spurs focuses on relieving pain and inflammation. Options include:

• Rest and ice application to reduce swelling
• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs
• Physical therapy and stretching exercises
• Orthotic devices or shoe inserts to support the foot
• In severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered to remove the spur

Prevention

Preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing calcaneal spurs include:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate support
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Performing regular foot and calf stretching exercises
• Avoiding prolonged periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces

See also

• Plantar fasciitis
• Foot anatomy
• Orthopedic surgery