Calcaneal spur

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

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

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