A heel bone spur is a bony projection that develops on the underside of the heel bone (calcaneus), where it connects to the plantar fascia, the ligament running along the bottom of your foot. It's essentially an abnormal growth of bone. While approximately 15% of people have heel spurs, many don't experience any pain.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Location: Heel spurs typically form on the underside of the heel bone, pointing towards the arch of the foot.
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Formation: Over time, calcium deposits accumulate on the underside of the heel bone. This is often due to repetitive stress, strain on foot muscles and ligaments, and the stretching of the plantar fascia.
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Association with Plantar Fasciitis: Heel spurs are commonly associated with plantar fasciitis. While the spur itself may not be the primary source of pain, the underlying inflammation and strain on the plantar fascia often contribute to discomfort. The plantar fascia pulls at its insertion point on the heel, and over time the body lays down new bone in response to this stress.
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Symptoms: Many people with heel spurs experience no symptoms. When symptoms are present, they can include:
- Pain that is sharp in the morning and duller throughout the day.
- Pain that worsens after rest or prolonged periods of standing.
- Tenderness to the touch on the bottom of the heel.
- Inflammation.
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Causes: Several factors can contribute to the development of heel spurs:
- Footwear: Poorly fitting shoes, especially those lacking arch support.
- Activities: High-impact activities like running and jumping.
- Foot Mechanics: Abnormal gait or foot structure (flat feet or high arches).
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional strain on the feet.
- Age: Plantar fascia loses elasticity with age.
- Tight Achilles Tendon: A tight Achilles tendon can also contribute.
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Diagnosis: A doctor can diagnose a heel spur with a physical exam and X-rays.
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Treatment: Treatment typically focuses on relieving pain and inflammation and may include:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the condition.
- Ice: Applying ice packs to the heel.
- Stretching: Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.
- Orthotics: Shoe inserts that provide arch support.
- Medications: Pain relievers (ibuprofen, naproxen) or cortisone injections.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen foot and ankle muscles.
- Surgery: Surgery is rarely necessary and is only considered if other treatments fail.
In summary, a heel bone spur is a bony growth on the heel bone often linked to plantar fasciitis and caused by long-term strain and stress on the foot ligaments and muscles. While many people have them without symptoms, they can cause heel pain.
