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.

Other Foot Ailments...

• blisters
• calluses
• cold feet
• gout
• heel spurs
• plantar fasciitis