Calcaneal spurs can be a source of significant morbidity when associated with pain. Patient gradually develops pain over weeks and months. Pressure over medical aspect of heel may elicit tenderness. Spur in itself does not cause pain, but rather it is inflammation of surrounding structures that does.

Pain typically occurs at the back of heel or under the sole of foot. Heel pain is not an absolute feature. Many are asymptomatic at the time of discovery of a spur by radiographical examination. Plantar (inferior) spurs are more commonly related to heel pain, patients of plantar fasciitis either present or have a history of pain. But again, not all of the patients are symptomatic, even in this case. The chances of a person to have heel pain may be linked to following factors:

• Fracture in spur
• Abnormalities of plantar fat pad causing increased shock/pressure transmission to spur
• Compression of an adjacent structure (e.g nerve to abductor digiti minimi)
• Size of spur. This is an unreliable factor. However, it has been observed that larger spurs cause pain much more commonly than smaller ones.

Most extend 2 to 2.5 cm beyond origin, some are large enough to be palpable and some are even visible to naked eye. Older people are more likely to develop larger spurs. Some may have both types of spurs, but majority of the patients present with only one type. Heel pain signifies plantar fasciitis or inflammation of structures surrounding the spur. Patient may complain of pain in heel after waking up in morning, with or without stiffening of foot and calf muscles. Pain may be of gradual onset in some, building up in intensity with activity or along the day; pain may be worsened by increased workload such as lifting heavy weight. Quality of pain varies; some describe it as sharp or stabbing in nature, others complain of dull and aching pain. Pain makes it difficult for patient to walk, run, or even stand in some advanced cases. The problem is aggravated by stiffness of muscles. Walking on hard surfaces also exacerbates the condition. Daily activities are impaired if condition is severe. Resting may relieve symptoms to some extent but pain recurs on getting up or resuming foot activity. Sometimes fractures occur, separating the spur from main bone. These fractures may occur spontaneously or after trauma. A wide majority of patients have no heel pain despite radiographic visualization of spurs. Occupational and environmental factors, level of physical activity and type of footwear may also modify symptoms in patients.

• Pain

  Another cause of pain in the heel which does not respond to treatment for plantar fasciitis is a calcaneal stress fracture. This pain can be reproduced by squeezing the heel and shows up on an MRI, not an x-ray. [certifiedfoot.com]

  Heel Spur Pain – Before and After [sydneyfootsurgery.com.au]

  Heel Spur Symptoms Symptoms may be very similar to those of plantar fasciitis and can include pain and tenderness at the base of the heel, pain on weight bearing and in severe cases, difficulty walking. [sportsinjuryclinic.net]

  In most cases, the inflamed tissue is what causes the pain. [summerlinfootandankle.com]

  Heel spur treatment to reduce discomfort October 23 2015 Heel spurs may cause severe pain in the heel or foot. They can interfere with daily life by causing excruciating pain with every step. [raysahelian.com]

• Inflammation

  This inflammation is most often caused by walking with an abnormal inward twisting of the foot, called pronation. Over time, this slightly abnormal step may increase tension on the plantar fascia and cause it to become inflamed. [sworthogroup.com]

  Heel pain is usually caused by injury and inflammation to soft tissues and bones at the bottom of your heel. The cause of pain is plantar fasciitis, bone swelling with or without a heel spur, nerve impingement or all of the above. [sydneyfootsurgery.com.au]

  It may take a while for the pain and inflammation to subside, but if symptoms persist after a few weeks, consult your physician. [summerlinfootandankle.com]

  Do Heel Spurs Cause Pain The heel spur itself is not thought to be the primary cause of pain, rather inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia are thought to be the primary problem. [verywell.com]

  Less strain on the ligament means less pulling away from the heel bone, allowing the inflammation to heal faster. [footlogics-shop.com.au]

• Swelling

  The cause of pain is plantar fasciitis, bone swelling with or without a heel spur, nerve impingement or all of the above. [sydneyfootsurgery.com.au]

  There will be inflammatory signs including pain, swelling and heat increase in the anterior part of the heel. However, heel spur does not always cause pain, and not every heel pain originates from heel spur. [urofiz.com]

  ACUTE STAGE SYMPTOMS: The acute stage starts the moment an injury occurs and lasts until the swelling and inflammation are gone. [sinewtherapeutics.com]

  A heel spur causes the foot and heel to swell and become painful. The pain is strongest upon first awakening in the morning and diminishes as the day progresses, notes Natural Home Remedies. [livestrong.com]

  Over time, wear and tear on joints may cause these spurs to compress neighboring ligaments, tendons or nerves, thus injuring tissue and causing swelling, pain, and tearing resulting in a bone spur. [drweil.com]

• Severe Pain

  Pain in the back of the foot that is typically worse in the morning. Severe pain when standing or walking. Tightness in the strip of tissue on the bottom of your foot. [summerlinfootandankle.com]

  Heel spur treatment to reduce discomfort October 23 2015 Heel spurs may cause severe pain in the heel or foot. They can interfere with daily life by causing excruciating pain with every step. [raysahelian.com]

  Despite popular belief, the heel spur itself, when on the bottom of the foot, does not cause pain – the tight ligament causes the pain, which can have a severe impact on the patients’ activity levels and even their ability to walk! [certifiedfoot.com]

  For many years Heel spurs have been misdiagnosed as the cause of the severe pain in the heel. [heelclinic.com.au]

  The pain is most intense when the patient stands after sitting or lying for an extended period. Severe pain upon arising after sleep is a frequent complaint. [orthomedctr.com]

• Weight Loss

  You can find out more about cortisone injections on our sister site. 7) Weight Loss If you are overweight, your doctor may recommend a weight loss programme. [foot-pain-explored.com]

  Certain lifestyle adjustments, such as weight loss and wearing well-fitted shoes and appropriate orthotics, may help to keep the condition from becoming chronic.When these conservative methods do not provide relief, extracorporeal shock wave therapy at [orthomedctr.com]

  Since overweight individuals are most likely to report foot pain, dietary changes and weight loss are the treatments that are most likely to give long-term relief. [bamapain.com]

• Heel Pain

  Home Services Heel Spur Syndrome Heel Spur Syndrome As board certified foot and ankle specialists, heel pain is the most common condition we see. [certifiedfoot.com]

  Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It is commonly referred to as a heel spur, although a heel spur, or bony growth on the heel bone, develops as a result of plantar fasciitis. [sworthogroup.com]

  heel pain such as a broken heel, heel spurs, or Achilles tendonitis. [sports-health.com]

  So, if you have a heel spur and notice pain at the back of the heel, you probably have Achilles tendinitis. If the pain is on the bottom of the heel, plantar fasciitis is most likely the reason. [treadlabs.com]

  Heel Spur Pain – Before and After [sydneyfootsurgery.com.au]

• Foot Pain

  The result is a protrusion that leads to foot pain when pressure is applied, and in some cases, even during rest. [afcdallas.com]

  However, many patients without symptoms of foot pain can have a heel spur. The exact relationship between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs is not entirely known. [verywell.com]

  It leads to foot pain, and sensations of pain numbness in the ball of the foot. Arch pain. Arch pain, most often from plantar fasciitis, affects the heel and arch of the foot. [health.clevelandclinic.org]

  When a heel spur forms, it is usually not responsible for causing any foot pain on its own. Instead, the pain is due to the foot condition that caused the spur. [treadlabs.com]

• Fracture

  Treatment for a stress fracture in the heel bone is treated with prolonged non-weight bearing. [certifiedfoot.com]

  The fractured fragments were located in the line of the pull of the plantar fascia (figure 2). [casereports.bmj.com]

  This case represents a non union of a fractured plantar calcaneal spur. We present the clinical and radiological data on a single case of non-union of a fractured plantar calcaneal spur. [faoj.org]

  He did not have a history of plantar fasciitis or heel pain prior to the fracture. [podiatrytoday.com]

• Osteophyte

  Diagnosis of heel spur, which is defined as osteophyte in the medical literature can sometimes be difficult. Frequently, it results from long-term strains in muscular and connective tissue. [urofiz.com]

  This stimulates new bone formation and an osteophyte is formed. [gpnotebook.co.uk]

  Osteophytes Narrowed _ foramen Osteophytes- ‏ الصفحة 161 - The superior thyroid, lingual, and facial veins as well as a middle thyroid vein cross superficial to the carotid arteries and join the int. ‏ [books.google.com]

  A heel spur is an outgrowth of bone, known as a bone spur or osteophyte, on the heel of the foot. [orthomedctr.com]

  A bone spur (osteophyte) is a bony growth that forms along the edge of normal bone in response to wear and tear, most frequently in the joints. [pafootdoctors.com]

• Muscle Strain

  The process may be triggered by a ligament or muscle strain in the foot or by stretching the plantar fascia. Athletes that partake in running, jumping or jogging tend to get them. Symptoms The Heel Spur itself is not thought to be painful. [thephysiocompany.com]

  The formation of your heel spur may be triggered by many factors such as a ligament or muscle strain in your foot or by overstretching your plantar fascia. [cityphysiotherapy.com.au]

• Confusion

  Our Expertise The terms Heel Spur and plantar fasciitis are often confused. While these two diagnoses are related, they are not the same. The diagnosis of heel spurs can be confused with tarsal tunnel syndrome. [thephysiocompany.com]

  Some people may confuse them with a related condition known as plantar fasciitis - inflammation of the band of tissue that stretches from the ball of the foot to the heel, forming the arch. [raysahelian.com]

  Patients and doctors often confuse the words heel spur and plantar fasciitis. While these two diagnoses are related, they are not the same. [verywell.com]

  It often occurs alongside plantar fasciitis, and as such the two conditions are often confused. However, they are not the same. [sportsinjuryclinic.net]

  Haglunds Deformity or Retrocalcaneal Exostosis Another condition that may be referred to as a heel spur is Haglunds Deformity, which is closely related to and often confused with Retrocalcaneal Exostosis or Calcified Insertional Achilles Tendonitis. [certifiedfoot.com]

• Abnormal Gait

  Other Causes of Heel Spurs Aside from calcium buildup, heel spurs can be brought on by: Abnormal gait when walking, jogging, or running Excessive weight Walking, running, or jogging too much on hard surfaces Diabetes Flat feet Shoes that do not fit properly [afcdallas.com]

  These include walking with an abnormal gait, running or jogging, or wearing shoes that don’t offer the right type of support for your feet. 3 Fortunately, you have quite a few options available when it comes to reducing and even eliminating calcaneal [chiroeco.com]

  Several risk factors contribute to plantar fasciitis: Very high arch New or increased activity Repetitive impact activity, such as running or sports Obesity Tight calf muscles Age Flat feet Abnormal gait Heel spur A heel spur is a type of osteophyte, [nctfa.com]

• Agitation

  Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: bone/joint pain, easy bruising/bleeding, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, increased thirst/urination, mental/mood changes (such as depression, mood swings, agitation), muscle [webmd.com]

The mainstay for the diagnosis of calcaneal spurs is X-ray, which shows a bony spur extending infero-medially (typical of plantar spurs that are more frequently observed) from os calcis; a spur may also be seen posterior to heel bone. X-ray is taken in sagittal plain (lateral or lateral oblique view) in which spur can be easily appreciated, as an "exostoses". Most cases, however, can be clinically diagnosed before radiological examintion. A typical history of chronic foot pain worsens over time, and clinical examination of foot are helpful in reaching at a diagnosis; confirmation requires imaging techniques. Rarely MRI and ultrasound are also performed that reveal the extent of inflammation of surrounding tissues.

Regarding the causes of heel pain, other pathologies might be considered such as diabetes mellitus, trauma and degenerative diseases, autoimmune pathologies like Reiter's disease or crystal deposition disease or gout. X-ray also help rule out some of other similar pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis. 

Both medical and non-medical treatment strategies are employed in order to treat bony spurs. While medical therapy may provide an effective symptomatic treatment, non-medical therapies are even more useful as many of them involve mechanical or some other form of energy to destroy/reduce/remove calcaneal spurs. 

Conventionally, both steroids and NSAIDS (Non steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) are involved in treatment regimen of patients presenting with heal pain. Steroids are given in oral and injectible forms; they reduce inflammation. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also used for the purposes of reducing pain and inflammation.

Physiotherapy is a mainstay of non-surgical treatment of spurs. Patients are advised to do both active and passive stretching of legs, and other orthopedic exercises. Life-style modifications are also required for better outcome in patients. Walking on hard surfaces, excessive pronation, lifting heavy weight (while walking) and too much walking are to be avoided. Ill-fitting and uncomfortable shoes must not be worn by patients as they can aggravate pain. Offloading is done in order to avoid too much pressure being transmitted to foot while standing or walking (os calcis serves as weight bearing structure of foot in both cases). Both partial and complete offloading is performed. Doctors also prescribe orthotic devices such as:

• Heel cups
• Night splints
• Shoe gears
• Strapping and taping
• Walking casts
• Other offloading devices

Contrast bath means alternative application of cold and warm water to limb with the aim to reduce inflammation. This therapy is also known as heat/cold immersion therapy. The procedure is repeated several times for the whole of limb or a part of it.

Conventional therapy may take six to twelve months, and hence, patients inevitably suffer from a chronic problem.

Ultrasound, LASER and cryotherapy treatment are also very effective. ESWT (Extra-corporeal Shockwave Therapy) is a procedure in which high energy mechanical waves are directed at calcaneal spur. These waves are thought to increase growth of blood vessels and reduce inflammation. Both conventional method and ESWT are believed to be same, but ESWT is considered less effective for plantar fasciitis [9] [10].

Surgery is necessary only in refractive cases. Posterior calcaneal spurs are removed as a part of treatment of insertional Aschilles tendinitis. Partial plantar fasciotomy procedure has been supported by evidence of good long-term prognosis in patients who have undergone it.

Calcaneal spurs and plantar fasciitis take long time to subside without appropriate treatment. Minor damage takes mere weeks or few months but larger spurs may cause chronic morbidity unless treated by aggressive measures. Early preventive measures to eliminate predisposing factors, or reducing the aggravating factors, also improves prognosis in patients.

Calcaneal spurs can cause considerable morbidity especially in athletes and sportsperson. Planter fasciitis, with or without heal spurs, may last more than 12 months or longer before it subsides. Prevention against progression and complications can significantly improve chances of good prognosis, although calcaneal spurs, once developed, are difficult to treat without surgical and other aggressive interventions. 

Although etiology of calcaneal spurs has long been debated, present view supports a mechanical basis for this abnormal growth. With constant mechanical stress, calcium deposits form in heel. Excessive pronation has been proposed to be the cause of formation of plantar calcaneal spurs (in accordance with longitudinal traction hypothesis, as explained later). Similarly obesity and degenerative changes associated with aging are also shown to be related to spur formation. "Vertical compression hypothesis" explains association of obesity and senililty associated degenerative changes with spur formation stating that vertical heel pressure during gait is directly correlated with body weight. Accelerated degenerative changes occur in tendon in people with obesity and increased body weight. Stiffening of muscles tends to aid in the process. Another hypothesis states that increased weight tends to flatten the medial longitudinal arch, adding to traction on ligaments and resulting in formation of bony spurs. Osteoarthritis is also thought to contribute towards spur formation by similar mechanism. With osteoathritis, processes like subchondral sclerosis and degenerative changes of fibrocartilage accelerate processes that have been experimentally proven to be linked to calcaneal spurs. A "direct association" has been found by epidemiological studies between osteophytes (feature of osteoarthritis) and spur formation. This proves that age related degenerative changes of skeletal system (including osteoarthritis) are somehow related to these bony growths.

Apart form abnormal bio-mechanics, other associated factors include Niesseria Gonorrhoea, Tuberculosis, metabolic disorders, heredity and systemic inflammation (some of these are experimentally unproved). Women who wear high heels are more prone to develop calcaneal spurs. Moreover, athletes are also more likely to develop these spurs as compared to normal individuals.

Note that there is no significant association between calcaneal spurs and rheumatoid arthritis, Diabetes Mellitus, stroke, peripheral vascular disease or hypertension. 

Calcaneal spurs are most often found as incidental findings alongwith painful plantar heel [1], which most commonly, arises from plantar fasciitis in the medial aspect of proximal attachment of plantar aponeurosis (although any component of aponeurosis may be the source of focal tenderness). The tender area corresponds to calcaneal spur, that is very often found concurrently in radiographic studies. Hence, significant number of patients visiting OPD (Outdoor Patient Department) with heel pain are diagnosed as having traction enthesopathy (disorders involving tendon or ligament of bone and arising from traction).

Studies have shown greater prevalence in older age group. Older people also tend to have larger calcaneal spurs. Out of 38% of the whole population that presented with spurs, about 11% had both types while the rest showed unilateral problem. Women (especially those who wear high heels) have significantly higher rate of development of these spurs and a positive correlation has been found between the two types of spurs in women less than thirty years of age. This correlation was absent in men. Moreover, radiographic appearance of spurs also differs between men and women. Studies have also shown that these spurs appear more frequently in obese people (45% of participants of a study had problem as compared to 11% of people who were not obese), flat footed people and athletes. Obesity has been found to have a direct and strong association. Pressure, traction and inflammation are thought to be likely risk factors for spur development. Barrett reported that 21% of cadaveric feet possessed heal spur [2] and Rubin found that 10% of cases presented with symptomatic problem (out of 21% population with heel spurs) [3]. Shama et al. reported a higher number of symptomatic patients [4]. Out of 1000 patients, 132 were found symptomatic in this study, still these patients formed less than half of their whole study population. On the other hand, many patients with heel pain were actually patients of plantar fasciitis and lacked any significant association with heel spurs. A study conducted on patients of plantar fasciitis found that 63% patients of plantar fasciitis in their study population had no heel spurs [5].

Conventional therapy can resolve heel pain in 90% of patients with or without spur reduction.

Calcaneal spurs are of two types:

Dorsal or posterior spurs: these are often large and develop at the insertion of Aschilles tendon, at the posterior part of calcaneus. These are sometimes visible to naked eye and are readily palpable. They may cause pain with inflammation of Achilles tendon.

Plantar or inferior spurs:

These spurs develop on the inferior aspect of sole and may occur in response to plantar fasciitis or be related to ankylosing spondylitis (in children). Plantar calcaneal spurs are thought to result from enthesophytic changes involving the insertion of the plantar aponeurosis. 

The exact pathophysiology of calcaneal spurs is yet to be understood [6][7][8]. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed including vertical compression hypothesis, longitudinal traction hypothesis and others, but exact cause still remains unknown.

Vertical Compression Hypothesis: it states that vertical compression during gait is associated with spur formation. The greater the pressure (as in obese people), the greater will be chances of spur formation.

Longitudinal Traction Hypothesis: it states that traction along the length of plantar aponeurosis is associated with spur formation. All these views explain that either constant pressure, compression, traction or a combination of these may be the reason of spur formation. Although flat footed people have not been found to have spurs as demonstrated by various radiographical examinations performed by Menz et al [6], as well as by lack of sufficient biological plausibility, scientists have therefore hypothesized that spur formation may more possibly be related to compression than traction. Plantar fascia in flat footed people is more prone to traction enthesopathy. Heel pain is, therefore, commonly found in these patients that may or may not be associated with calcaneal spurs.

Although there are no specific preventive measure for this condition, incidence can be reduced by life-style modifications.

Following are some of these measures:

• Reducing weight
• Choosing well-fitting shoes; avoiding shoes which cause discomfort in heel area
• Using foot-wears with shock-absorbent heals
• Athletes must take special care (by choosing appropriate trainers, warming up before activities and avoiding trauma).

Calcaneal spurs/ heel spurs or enthesophytes were first documented in 1900. German physician Plettner called them kalkaneussporn. Calcaneus bone is an important component of plantar skeleton providing support, acting as a lever for calf muscles, and a weight bearing structure while standing or walking. It is the longest and strongest of all tarsal bones and forms bony prominence of heel. It has a tuberosity, a rough surface providing attachment to Aschilles tendon, and medial and lateral surfaces that extend on either side from main body of bone, separated by a notch. Enthesophytes (heel spurs) typically develop along attachment of tendon and ligaments on calcaneus, and grow along the line of pull of tendon. With constant stress, calcium deposits form in calcaneus that do not cause any problem as long as minute. However, it time these deposits pile up over each other, forming a larger, irregular shaped deformity, called a calcaneal (or heel) spur. This larger calcaneal deformity may cause pain by impinging on surrounding structures. Spurs are 2 to 2.5 cm in size, grow into plantar fascia (causing plantar fasciitis) lying anteriorly to heel bone, or in Aschilles tendon causing Aschilles tendinitis. 

It is a chronic condition and lasts for many months before subsiding. Women (especially those who wear high heels regularly) and obese people frequently present with this problem.

Calcanues is the largest and strongest of tarsal bones, serving as a posterior pillar for medial and lateral longitudinal arches. Calcaneal spurs are abnormal bony outgrowths that appear on inferior or posterior part of calcaneus. The exact pathophysiology and etiology of spur formation is unknown. However, that abnormal traction, compression or pressure have been proposed to contribute to its development. Many factors can cause these aberrant bio-mechanics including obesity, osteoarthritis, ill fitting foot wear, degenerative disease of cartilage, ligaments and bones. Incidence is higher in women as compared to men of same age, older people, women who wear high heels and athletes. 

The condition is chronic and mainly manifests as heel pain over the posterior or inferior aspect of heel, depending upon site of spur. Pain results from the inflammation of the surrounding soft tissue. Fractures may also occur in a spur, aggravating the pain. Treatment can consist both in a symptomatic approach and the removal of spur. Preventive measures, such as well-fitting shoes, reduction of weight, and avoidance of aggravating factors contribute to good prognosis.

1. Edmund M, Kosmahl PT, MS, Herbert E, Kosmahl DPM. Painful Plantar Heel, PlantarfckLRFasciitis, and Calcaneal Spur: Etiology and treatment. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1987; 9(1).
2. Barrett SL, Day SV, Pignetti TT, Egly BR. Endoscopic heel anatomy: analysis of 200 fresh frozen specimens. J Foot Ankle Surg. 1995 Jan-Feb;34(1):51-6.
3. Rubin G, Witten M. Plantar calcaneal spurs. Am J Orthop. 1963 Feb;5:38-41.
4. Shama SS, Kominsky SJ, Lemont H. Prevalence of non-painful heel spur and its relation to postural foot position. J Am Podiatry Assoc. 1983 Mar;73(3):122-3.
5. O'Malley MJ, Page A, Cook R. Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy for chronic heel pain. Foot Ankle Int. 2000 Jun;21(6):505-10.
6. Menz HB, Zammit GV, Landorf KB et-al. Plantar calcaneal spurs in older people: longitudinal traction or vertical compression? J Foot Ankle Res. 2008;1(1): 7.
7. Weiss E. Calcaneal spurs: Examining etiology using prehistoric skeletal remains to understand present day heel pain. Foot (Edinb). 2012 Sep;22(3):125-9.
8. Kumai T, Benjamin M. Heel spur formation and the subcalcaneal enthesis of the plantar fascia. J. Rheumatol. 2002;29 (9): 1957-64.
9. Buchbinder R, Ptasznik R, Gordon J, Buchanan J, Prabaharan V, Forbes A. Ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2002 Sep 18;288(11):1364-72.
10. Haake M, Buch M, Schoellner C, et al. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis: randomised controlled multicentre trial. BMJ. 2003 Jul 12;327(7406):75.