Heel Spurs

Heel spurs (calcaneal spurs) are protrusions on the forward underside of the heel bone that can occur when the plantar tendon pulls excessively in the area where it is attached to the bone. It is often associated with plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the band of fibrous connective tissue running along the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot, from the heel to the ball of the foot. The term "heel spur" is often used interchangeably with the term "plantar fasciitis;" but the conditions, while closely related, are not identical.

Heel spurs typically are not painful and can occur without plantar fasciitis; but their intrusion into the soft tissue surrounding the area (the plantar fascia) can be a source of irritation to the tissue and a contributing cause of heel pain. A bone spur on the back of the heel is also fairly common, and is called a retrocalcaneal spur (or exostosis).

In the feet, bone spurs can also develop in the toes, primarily in the area of the fifth (small) toe. They occur most frequently outside of the toe next to the toenail, on the inside of the toe near the tip of the toe where it presses against the fourth toe, and on the inside of the base of the toe. Bone spurs can also occur on the sides of any of the toes. These often result from excessive pressure of the toes pressing on one another while wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe box. It is also possible for spurs to develop on the top of the foot in the arch area (between the first metatarsal and first cuneiform bones). The area will be painful when the shoelaces are tied tightly or other pressure is exerted. Development of spurs in this location is often associated with arthritis.

Cause

Unusual or abnormal motion in joints over time can cause spurs.
Excessive tension on the bone from a tendon where it attaches to the bone can cause spurs (as in the case of plantar fasciitis - the plantar fascia becomes inflamed due to excessive stress and can cause a calcaneal spur to form [see below]). The stretching of the plantar fascia often results from over-pronation or flat feet; but people with very high arches can also develop heel spurs.
Trauma - both severe and repetitive (everyday "wear and tear") - can cause bone spurs, and the spurs can occur simply as a result of the aging process of the feet.
Diseases such as osteomyelitis (bone infection) and Charcot foot can cause bone spurs.
Arthritis and general inflammation can cause bone spurs.

Prevention

The Integrated Comfort Solution™ (consisting of Thorlos engineered padded sock products, an insert or orthotic as necessary, and properly designed and fitted shoes or boots) helps provide the protection you need to help mitigate the formation of bone spurs in the feet. It also helps protect the feet in situations where spurs have already formed.
- The Thorlos engineered padded sock product component of the Integrated Product Solution provides anatomically designed terry padding that cushions impacts and protects vulnerable areas from pressure and bumps. It helps ensure heel coupling and proper interface with the arch area to provide correct postural alignment.
- Inserts that provide arch support and a slight heel lift help ensure that not too much stress is placed on the plantar fascia to reduce the possibility of inflammation and overstress for the plantar fascia. In cases of overpronation, inserts help support the feet and keep the feet from turning in excessively.
- Properly designed and fitted shoes or boots provide sufficient room in the toe box so as not to compress the toes, and also provide cushioning in appropriate areas to minimize the possibility of the irritation and inflammation that can lead to bone spurs in the feet.
If you have heel pain, toe pain or top of the foot pain, see your physician or foot specialist to ensure that a spur has not developed.
If you are an overpronator, make sure to get your gait analyzed by a foot care professional and get orthotics to help address the overpronation.

Medical Issues

While they typically do not cause a great deal of pain, bone spurs in the feet are frequently an indication of inflammation of muscles, tendons, or ligaments, and can signify an anomaly in your gait.
Spurs tend to occur as we age, sometimes even if there is not a specific medical reason for them to form.
Bone spurs may not require special treatment, but those that limit range of motion or cause other problems that limit your ability to perform work or daily tasks may require surgery.

Remember, ALWAYS consult your physician if you have pain in any area of your feet that persists for more than a few days.

Socks for Heel Spurs

We recommend these socks for preventing heel spurs:

Running Socks - Thick Cushion

XJ
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Distance Walking Socks - Thick Cushion

DWMXW
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Hiking Socks - Cold Weather

KX
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Basketball Socks - Thick Cushion

BX
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Heel Spur Testimonials

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13 years. Comfort, Doubled stiched in the toe and heel. Use to get holes in toe and heal but not any more. You cat get a better sock not matter what your need are.Give a triple AAA rating thanks

Posted on 02/03 by Kent F.

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LOVE these socks

They are so comfortable. I like the support and the cushion in the heel.

Posted on 02/02 by Nadine C.

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