A heel spur is a calcium deposit at the bottom of the heel bone that forms a bony protrusion. It can protrude up to half an inch forward in an X-ray. However, since no clear X-ray evidence exists, the illness is sometimes called “heel spur syndrome.” Heel spurs can be painful at times, even if they are usually painless. Treatment for this condition and its related problems include exercise, specialized orthotics, and anti-inflammatory treatment options.

How do heel spurs form?
An osteophyte, often known as a heel spur, is a bony protrusion that develops from the heel bone. When examined on an X-ray, the spur frequently seems like a tiny spike or hook facing the interior of the arch; because of this appearance, many people feel they must be painful splinters. However, most people do not notice their heel spur because it sits parallel to the tissue fibers it is embedded in rather than through them, which an X-ray does not reveal.

A heel spur comprises calcium deposits that build up over months or years. Spurs can form everywhere tendons connect to bone, including the back of the heel bone at the Achilles tendon and various bones throughout the body. A spur at the bottom of the heel is quite common and is often mistaken for plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms of heel spurs
Common symptoms and signs include:

• Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation and swelling at the front of the heel, heat radiating from the affected area, a small, visible bone-like protrusion under the heel, and a point of soreness at the bottom of the heel that makes barefoot walking difficult.
• If a patient exhibits these symptoms, a doctor may perform an X-ray on the foot to diagnose the problem.

However, not every patient will exhibit all of these symptoms. Some may experience no signs at all, while some people might not be aware that they have heel spurs until after getting an X-ray for another purpose.

Relationship between heel spurs and plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is associated with heel spurs in the plantar area of the foot because it is an inflammation of the “bowstring-like” ligament stretching beneath the sole and joining at the heel. Stepping down on the heel aggravates localized discomfort and heel spurs caused by plantar heel spurs.

Underlying diseases that can lead to heel spurs and plantar fasciitis include Reiter’s disease, reactive arthritis (previously known as Reiter’s disease), ankylosing spondylitis, and widespread idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.

Diagnosis of heel spurs
A heel spur can only be accurately identified by gathering one’s medical and injury history, conducting a thorough clinical exam and undergoing an X-ray because the symptoms of a heel spur and other conditions that can cause heel discomfort, such as plantar fasciitis, are similar.

Even if an X-ray reveals a heel spur, it could be challenging to determine whether the heel spur or plantar fascia tissue is to blame for the discomfort. The initial therapy for both conditions is the same. The podiatrists’ examinations are always thorough and intended to provide one with as much knowledge and answers about why they are suffering from the condition.

Treatment options
Medical experts treat heel spurs in the same way that they treat plantar fasciitis. This is due to plantar fasciitis, the source of heel discomfort. Plantar fasciitis symptoms can be treated to alleviate heel spur pain. Conventional treatment for heel spurs includes:

• Putting one’s foot down and resting from running or jogging will help relieve heel pain.
• Using ice or cold packs as a substitute for a bath. To relieve heel discomfort, apply ice to the heel.
• Opting for anti-inflammatory treatment options.
• Using shoes or inserts that cushion the bottom of the foot helps support one’s arches and protect one’s plantar fascia.
• Temporarily numbing the area, applying ice packs or cold compresses for up to 15 minutes may help lessen heel spur discomfort. This procedure also reduces edema. While heat is more effective for joint and muscle disorders, cold compresses are preferable for heel spurs.

It is recommended to seek prompt treatment for heel pain because ignoring it may increase and interfere with one’s daily activities. However, if there is no pain or other symptoms, or if treating one’s plantar fasciitis resolves the symptoms of heel spurs, therapy for the spur is not required as it will likely remain and not cause problems.