Plantar Calcaneal Spur

A calcaneal spur is a bony projection or outgrowth formed on the undersurface or back of the calcaneus. Calcaneus is commonly known as heel bone and the bony outgrowths that develop on it are known as heel spurs. Heel spurs can occur at the back or underside of the heel bone. When heel spurs develop under the sole or the undersurface of the foot, i.e. in the plantar area, they are called plantar calcaneal spurs. Development of bone spurs in the plantar area can cause pain while walking, which can be sometimes confused with the pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the condition, characterized by the inflammation of plantar fascia, the band of fibrous tissue at the bottom of the foot which connects the heel bone or calcaneus to the toes.

Causes of Heel Spur

The exact cause of this condition is not known. In general, it is believed that the heel spurs that form underside the heel bone can be associated with the condition, known as plantar fasciitis. As has been mentioned already, plantar fasciitis is the condition where the thin layer of fibrous tissue present on the underside of the foot becomes inflamed. This condition can cause excessive pulling of the outer layer of the calcaneus, which is known as periosteum. Prolonged pressure on the periosteum can eventually lead to the formation of bone spur in heel.

The factors that can increase the likelihood of developing calcaneal bone spurs in the plantar area are, excessive pressure on the heel and the sole of the foot, unusual gait and strenuous physical activity. Overweight or obese people and individuals who start to exercise heavily all of a sudden can develop heel spurs. Athletes and sports person, who do not warm up or stretch prior to exercising or doing any strenuous activity can also develop heel spurs. Sometimes, the pillow of fat under the heel that absorbs shock can degenerate with age, for which more pressure can be placed on the heel bone while walking and standing. This can eventually lead to the formation of bony outgrowths on the heel bone.

Heel Spur Symptoms

Heel pain is the most common symptom of calcaneal bone spurs and it can be experienced while standing and walking. In fact, the pain can be quite intense and can get worsened during walking or standing. The pain usually resolves after lying down, but can return again after getting up. The pain associated with heel spur can be quite sharp and stabbing in the morning after getting up from the bed. Heel spur pain can also be quite intense while walking barefooted, especially on a hard surface.

Heel Spur Treatment

Treatment for heel spurs depend on the severity of the condition. In case of small spurs, the condition can be managed with rest, application of ice pack and pain relievers. Anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed by the physicians to manage the heel pain. One can also find considerable relief by wearing special footwear and using shoe inserts. Night splints can help to reduce the intense pain that is experienced in the morning. To manage the pain caused by heel spur, it is also important to avoid walking or running for a long distance.

If the pain caused by calcaneal spur is too severe, then physicians can recommend the use of steroid injections. However, steroid injections are usually not preferred for the treatment of calcaneal spurs, due to some possible complications. Anesthetic injections are used in the extreme cases, when the pain caused by heel spurs becomes intolerable. For large spurs, surgery can be required at times.

It is possible to prevent the formation of these spurs with the help of some precautionary measures. Wearing proper fitting footwear is one such measure that can help to prevent the development of bone spur in the heel bone. Similarly, it is important to warm up and stretch before exercising. Obese people should try to lose some weight to reduce the amount of pressure placed on the heel bone while walking and standing, and thus reduce the risk for calcaneal spur to a great extent.