heel spur

A heel spur, also known as a calcaneal spur or bone spur, is a bony growth caused by a calcium deposit that forms on the underside of the heel bone [1]. This growth can occur in the back of or under your heel, or beneath the sole of your foot [2].

Heel spurs are small, bony protrusions of calcium deposits that form on the heel bone, often occurring in conjunction with Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis [3]. They can develop when the ligament that connects the heel bone to the bones in the toes (plantar fascia) becomes inflamed or irritated, leading to a buildup of calcium deposits over time [4].

A heel spur is typically a result of longstanding tension on the plantar fascia insertion, where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone [5]. This can cause pain and discomfort in the heel area, especially when standing or walking.

Heel spurs are usually diagnosed through X-rays or other imaging tests, which show the presence of a bony growth on the heel bone. Treatment options for heel spurs may include physical therapy, orthotics, shoe modifications, and in some cases, surgery to remove the spur [6].

References: [1] - A heel spur occurs when calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone, a process that usually occurs over a period of many months. [2] - A bony growth caused by a calcium deposit. These growths can occur in the back of or under your heel, or beneath the sole of your ... [3] - Heel spurs (calcaneal spurs) are bony protrusions of calcium deposits that form on the heel bone. They often occur in conjunction with Achilles tendinopathy ... [4] - A calcaneal spur, or commonly known as a heel spur, occurs when a bony outgrowth forms on the heel bone. Calcaneal spurs can be located at the back of the ... [5] - A Heel spur is a bony overgrowth on the bottom of the heel bone that results from tension and inflammation in the plantar fascia attachment to the heel. [6] - A heel spur can be the result of longstanding (occurring for a long time) tension on the plantar fascia insertion (the spot on the heel bone where the plantar ...

Heel spurs can cause a range of symptoms, which can vary in severity from person to person. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with heel spurs:

• Pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel: This is one of the most common symptoms of heel spurs, and it's often worse when walking or running.
• Pain that worsens after rest: Heel spur pain can be more pronounced in the morning or after a long period of rest, as the tissues around the heel have had time to become inflamed.
• Pain with activity: Engaging in activities such as walking, jogging, or running can exacerbate heel spur pain.
• Heel swelling or warmth: Inflammation and swelling at the front of the heel are common complications of heel spurs.

In some cases, heel spurs may not cause any symptoms at all. However, if left untreated, heel spur syndrome can lead to chronic pain and discomfort, potentially affecting mobility and quality of life.

It's worth noting that heel spurs can be related to plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue that supports the arch of the foot. If you're experiencing any symptoms, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and find the right treatment.

References:

• [3] Heel spur symptoms include pain that can feel sharp or like a dull ache.
• [6] Inflammation or swelling at the front of the heel is a common complication of the condition.
• [8] Heel spur symptoms can include heel pain that is worst in the morning when waking up, inflammation, swelling, a burning or hot sensation, tenderness, and a small, visible protrusion in the heel.
• [13] Pain on the bottom of your foot near your heel; Pain that is worse right after you get out of bed or after a long period of rest; Pain with activity; Heel swelling or warmth

Heel spurs can be diagnosed through various diagnostic tests, which help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

• Imaging tests: X-rays are commonly used to diagnose heel spurs. They provide clear images of the bone and can reveal the presence of a heel spur [1]. However, in most cases, the spur is not the main cause of heel pain, so it's typically left alone and treated for other conditions like plantar fasciitis [2].
• Physical examination: A healthcare professional will perform a physical exam to assess the severity of the condition. They may feel around the heel area to check for tenderness or swelling [4].
• Medical imaging: Other diagnostic tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radionuclide bone scans, can also be used to confirm a diagnosis of a heel spur [7][8]. These tests are more effective than plain-film radiographs in confirming calcaneal stress fractures.
• X-ray results: A heel spur can be diagnosed by looking at an X-ray. However, it's essential to note that the presence of a heel spur does not necessarily mean it's the cause of the heel pain [5].

It's worth noting that diagnosing plantar fasciitis is usually quick and simple, and medical imaging can reveal a heel spur, which most of the time goes unnoticed until the X-ray is done [6].

Heel spurs can be treated with various medications to alleviate pain and inflammation. Here are some common over-the-counter (OTC) medications that may help:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): This medication is often used to treat mild to moderate pain and reduce fever [1]. It's available OTC and can be taken as directed.
• Ibuprofen (Advil): Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain [2]. It's also available OTC and should be taken as directed.
• Naproxen (Aleve): Another NSAID, naproxen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the heel area [3].

It's essential to note that while these medications may provide relief from heel spur symptoms, they may not address the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, more aggressive treatments like surgery or injections may be necessary.

If you're considering using any of these medications, make sure to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions.

References:

[1] Context 1: Aug 28, 2022 — Heel pain may respond to treatment with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve).

[2] Context 2: What's the treatment for heel spurs? · Resting your heel. If you run or jog, taking a break will help your heel pain. · Using cold packs or ice. · Taking oral ...

[3] Context 8: Heel spur treatments · Ice packs after walking and exercise · Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin ...

Differential Diagnosis of Heel Spur

Heel spurs are a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the heel area. However, it's essential to rule out other possible causes of heel pain before diagnosing a heel spur. Here are some conditions that should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis:

• Gout: A type of arthritis that can cause sudden, severe pain in the heel area [4].
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and pain in the joints, including the heel [4].
• Seronegative spondyloarthropathies: A group of conditions that can cause inflammation and pain in the spine and other joints, including the heel [4].
• Infectious: Bacterial or fungal infections can cause pain and swelling in the heel area [4].
• Diabetic ulcers: People with diabetes are at risk of developing foot ulcers, which can be painful and difficult to heal [4].

Additionally, other conditions such as:

• Achilles tendon injuries: Inflammation or tears in the Achilles tendon can cause pain and stiffness in the heel area [8].
• Distal plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, can cause pain in the heel area [8].
• Haglund syndrome: A condition characterized by inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sac) surrounding the heel bone, which can cause pain and swelling [6].

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. They will perform a physical examination, take a medical history, and may order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to confirm the presence of a heel spur.

References:

[4] by P TU · 2011 · Cited by 250 — Differential Diagnosis of Heel Pain [6] Bursitis (A condition in which small sacs that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near joints become inflamed.) [8] by AE Allam · 2024 · Cited by 23 — Differential Diagnosis