Definition: what is a calcaneal spur?
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Calcaneal spur is a sharp bone outgrowth which forms on the underside of the heel. It is also called a heel spur or a calcaneal exostosis.
A calcaneal spur is due to a plantar fasciitis, a foot injury caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick fibrous membrane which goes through the heel to the toes.
Symptoms of calcaneal spur:
A calcaneal spur first starts with a sharp pain when walking. The sensation is often described as walking on a nail or a needle. It usually starts in the morning after waking up and gets worse after physical activity.
Because walking is difficult, the sufferer learns to compensate and uses other joins to avoid the pain which can have repercussions for the knee, back or hips.
Causes of calcaneal spur:
The plantar fasciitis is which is responsible for a calcaneal spur, is due to excessive stress on the heel. It can stem from intense and unprepared sport practices, obesity or from wearing shoes that don’t support the heel properly (heels too high, soles too hard).
Treatment of a calcaneal spur:
The first stage of treatment tries to reduce the inflammation of the plantar fascia and initially it is important to stop all physical activity that can overwork the heel. To support the pain, anti-inflammatories or pain medication can be prescribed. The use of hot compresses or ice packs can relieve the heel.
If the pain is very intense, cortisone shots combined with anaesthetic are recommended which target the heel directly after acute radiology tracking. However, to completely heel the spur, rehabilitation is essential. This involves wearing foot orthosis or orthopaedic soles as well as learning to readapt with a specialist.
In case of therapeutic failure, a surgical operation involving the removal of the calcaneal spur can be suggested. This operation results in a full recovery in 95% of cases.
