16/02/2026
🔈HEEL SPUR - SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, TREATMENT
🔎Definition: A heel spur is a calcium deposit causing a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone, often referred to as 'heel spur syndrome' until diagnosed through an X-ray.
🔎Appearance: Spurs can be hooked, flat, or pointed, generally growing on the heel bone and extending towards the foot's arch, reaching up to half an inch in length.
🔎Pathophysiology: Heel spurs occur when calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone, a process that usually occurs over many months. Heel spurs are often caused by strains on foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone.
Symptoms:
🔘Sharp morning pain in the heel resembling a knife.
🔘Dull ache throughout the day.
🔘Inflammation and swelling at the front of the heel.
🔘Heat radiating from the affected area.
🔘Small, visible bone-like protrusion under the heel.
🔘Tenderness at the bottom of the heel making barefoot walking difficult.
🔎Causes:
🔘Gait abnormalities stressing the feet.
🔘Running/jogging on hard surfaces.
🔘Worn or ill-fitting shoes.
🔘Obesity.
🔘Long-term strain on heel tissue.
🔘Wear and tear on the heel bone.
🔘Associated with conditions like reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, and plantar fasciitis.
🔎Treatments:
🔘Rest to reduce swelling and pain.
🔘Application of ice.
🔘Orthotics to alleviate heel pressure.
🔘Anti-inflammatory medication for swelling reduction.
🔘Corticosteroid injections.
🔘Night splints.
🔘Rarely, surgery to remove the heel spur.
🔘Addressing underlying conditions if present.