Calcaneal spur
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| Calcaneal spur | |
|---|---|
| File:Achilles insertional calcific tendinosis.jpg | |
| 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 |
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.
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
