What are Heel spurs?

Page 1

What are Heel spurs? Some of the facts of heel spur:  Heel spurs is visible on the X-ray as a an outgrowth of a pointed bone from the bone of the heel which is known as the calcaneus bone  Heel spurs which are formed in the plantar area; which is the sole of the feet is linked with plantar fasciitis  Heel spurs which are formed on the back of the heel are linked with Achilles tendonitis  Heel spurs can be formed alone or will be linked with some other diseases  The treatment of heel spurt is to reduce the pain or inflammation and prevent any further injury What is a heel spur? A heel spur is the deposit of calcium which causes the bone to project in the underside of the heel. A heel spur can extend to almost half inch and will be visible on the X-ray. In some cases there will be no evidence on the X-ray and such a condition is at times known as ‘heel spur syndrome’. Mostly heel spurs are painless, but in certain cases it can cause heel pain. This is often linked with plantar fasciitis, which is a condition in which there is painful swelling of the fibrous band of the plantar fascia, which runs along in the bottom of the feet and connects the heel bone with the ball of the feet. The treatment of heel spurs and the other conditions associated with this problem are exercises, customized orthotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections. If the conservative treatment options do not solve the problem then there might be a need for a surgery. What are the causes of heel spurs? Heel spurs are formed with buildup of calcium deposits on the underside of the heel bone. This is a condition which develops over a period of time which can extend to a few months. Heel spurs are mostly caused due to strain on the foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia and continuous wear and tear of the membrane that covers the heel bone. This condition is very commonly seen among athletes whose sport involves lot of running and jumping.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
What are Heel spurs? by FindaTopDoc - Issuu