Definition

A heel spur is a bony projection on the sole (plantar)
region of the heel bone (also known as the calcaneous).
This condition may accompany or result from severe
cases of inflammation to the structure called plantar fascia.
This associated plantar fascia is a fibrous band of
connective tissue on the sole of the foot, extending from
the heel to the toes.

Description

Heel spurs are a common foot problem resulting
from excess bone growth on the heel bone. The bone
growth is usually located on the underside of the heel
bone, extending forward to the toes. One explanation for
this excess production of bone is a painful tearing of the
plantar fascia connected between the toes and heel. This
can result in either a heel spur or an inflammation of the
plantar fascia, medically termed plantar fascitis. Because
this condition is often correlated to a decrease in the arch
of the foot, it is more prevalent after the age of six to
eight years, when the arch is fully developed.

Causes and symptoms

One frequent cause of heel spurs is an abnormal
motion and mal-alignment of the foot called pronation.
For the foot to function properly, a certain degree of
pronation is required. This motion is defined as an
inward action of the foot, with dropping of the inside
arch as one plants the heel and advances the weight distribution
to the toes during walking. When foot pronation
becomes extreme from the foot turning in and dropping
beyond the normal limit, a condition known as
excessive pronation creates a mechanical problem in the
foot. In some cases the sole or bottom of the foot flattens
and becomes unstable because of this excess pronation,
especially during critical times of walking and athletic
activities. The portion of the plantar fascia attached into
the heel bone or calcaneous begins to stretch and pull
away from the heel bone.

At the onset of this condition, pain and swelling
become present, with discomfort particularly noted as
pushing off with the toes occurs during walking. This
movement of the foot stretches the fascia that is already
irritated and inflamed. If this condition is allowed to continue,
pain is noticed around the heel region because of
the newly formed bone, in response to the stress. This
results in the development of the heel spur. It is common
among athletes and others who run and jump a significant
amount.

An individual with the lower legs angulating inward, a
condition called genu valgus or