Calcaneal spur: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Calcaneal spur
| image          = [[File:Achilles_insertional_calcific_tendinosis.jpg|250px]]
| caption        = X-ray showing a calcaneal spur
| field          = [[Orthopedics]]
| synonyms        = Heel spur
| symptoms        = [[Heel pain]], [[foot pain]]
| complications  = [[Plantar fasciitis]], [[Achilles tendinitis]]
| onset          = Gradual
| duration        = Can be chronic
| causes          = [[Repetitive stress]], [[obesity]], [[arthritis]]
| risks          = [[Age]], [[obesity]], [[improper footwear]]
| diagnosis      = [[Physical examination]], [[X-ray]]
| differential    = [[Plantar fasciitis]], [[Achilles tendinitis]]
| prevention      = Proper footwear, weight management
| treatment      = [[Rest]], [[ice]], [[orthotics]], [[physical therapy]], [[surgery]]
| medication      = [[NSAIDs]]
| frequency      = Common in adults
}}
{{Short description|An overview of calcaneal spurs, their causes, symptoms, and treatment}}
{{Short description|An overview of calcaneal spurs, their causes, symptoms, and treatment}}
 
[[File:Calcaneal_spur.jpg|Calcaneal spur|thumb|left]]
==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.
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.
 
[[File:Calcaneal_spur.jpg|left|thumb|X-ray image showing a calcaneal spur]]
[[File:Calcaneal_spur.jpg|thumb|right|X-ray image showing a calcaneal spur]]
 
==Causes==
==Causes==
Calcaneal spurs develop over time due to repeated stress and strain on the foot muscles and ligaments. Common causes include:
Calcaneal spurs develop over time due to repeated stress and strain on the foot muscles and ligaments. Common causes include:
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* Abnormal walking patterns
* Abnormal walking patterns
* Aging, which can lead to a thinning of the heel's protective fat pad
* Aging, which can lead to a thinning of the heel's protective fat pad
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
While calcaneal spurs themselves may not cause symptoms, they are often associated with:
While calcaneal spurs themselves may not cause symptoms, they are often associated with:
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* Tenderness and inflammation in the heel area
* Tenderness and inflammation in the heel area
* Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
* Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
==Diagnosis==
==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.
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==
Treatment for calcaneal spurs focuses on relieving pain and inflammation. Options include:
Treatment for calcaneal spurs focuses on relieving pain and inflammation. Options include:
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* Orthotic devices or shoe inserts to support the foot
* Orthotic devices or shoe inserts to support the foot
* In severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered to remove the spur
* In severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered to remove the spur
==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing calcaneal spurs include:
Preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing calcaneal spurs include:
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* Performing regular foot and calf stretching exercises
* Performing regular foot and calf stretching exercises
* Avoiding prolonged periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces
* Avoiding prolonged periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces
 
==See also==
==Related pages==
* [[Plantar fasciitis]]
* [[Plantar fasciitis]]
* [[Foot anatomy]]
* [[Foot anatomy]]
* [[Orthopedic surgery]]
* [[Orthopedic surgery]]
[[Category:Orthopedics]]
[[Category:Orthopedics]]
[[Category:Foot diseases]]
[[Category:Foot diseases]]
<gallery>
File:Achilles_insertional_calcific_tendinosis.jpg|Achilles insertional calcific tendinosis
File:Calcaneal_spur.jpg|Calcaneal spur
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 21:31, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

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


Calcaneal spur

Calcaneal Spur[edit]

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.

X-ray image showing a calcaneal spur

Causes[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]