Heel spur
/hil/ /spɝ/
1. [noun] heel spurs occur when calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone, a process that usually occurs over a period of many months. Heel spurs are often caused by strains on foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Heel spurs are especially common among athletes whose activities include large amounts of running and jumping. Risk factors for heel spurs include: Walking gait abnormalities,which place excessive stress on the heel bone, ligaments, and nerves near the heel Running or jogging, especially on hard surfaces Poorly fitted or badly worn shoes, especially those lacking appropriate arch support Excess weight and obesity Other risk factors associated with plantar fasciitis include: Increasing age, which decreases plantar fascia flexibility and thins the heel's protective fat pad Diabetes Spending most of the day on one's feet Frequent short bursts o f physical activity Having either flat feet or high arches Symptoms of Heel Spurs Heel spurs often cause no symptoms. But heel spurs can be associated with intermittent or chronic pain - especially while walking, jogging, or running - if inflammation develops at the point of the spur formation. In general, the cause of the pain is not the heel spur itself but the soft-tissue injury associated with it. Many people describe the pain of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis as a knife or pin sticking into the bottom of their feet when they first stand up in the morning -- a pain that later turns into a dull ache. They often complain that the sharp pain returns after they stand up after sitting for a prolonged period of time. See: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/heel-spurs-pain-causes-symptoms-treatments#1 ; Accessed June 19 2019
Source: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/heel-spurs-pain-causes-symptoms-treatments#1
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a heel spur’s pain during first steps be differentiated from other foot discomforts?
Many notice a sharp, pin-like pain when standing after long rest, which is usually due to soft-tissue strain rather than the bony projection itself, clarifying a common misunderstanding about the pain’s true origin.
How does the term 'heel spur' help in visualizing its anatomical feature?
The word 'spur' implies a pointed projection, much like the tool used to urge a horse, offering a mental image of a small, pointed outgrowth on the heel bone.
How do everyday activities like walking or jogging illustrate strain on the heel linked with a heel spur?
Simple actions such as walking on hard surfaces or jogging repeatedly can place extra strain on the underside of the heel, subtly emphasizing how everyday movement may relate to gradual heel stress.
Can irregular walking patterns influence the development of a heel spur?
An uneven gait may cause disproportionate pressure on certain parts of the heel, demonstrating how repeated stress during daily movement can contribute to the gradual buildup that forms a heel spur.