Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are bony outgrowths to the medial tubercle of the calcaneus visible on radiologic examination. They are the result of chronic micro-trauma to the area, as the medial band of the plantar fascia pulls at it's origin, it lifts the periosteum away from the bone. This small space then fills in with new bone. The process is repeated until the spur is formed. While the heel spur is not a primary cause of pain, any plantar heel pain with a resultant radiologic manifestation of a heel spur deep to the painful area may be termed Heel Spur Syndrome.
Treatment will consist of radiologic and clinical examination to rule out other causes of bony spurs such as DISH syndrome and inflammatory arthropathies. After a specific cause of the pain has been identified treatment will usually start out conservative, with NSAID's, oral corticosteroids, shoe inserts and padding. If the desired result is not achieved conservatively, more invasive procedures such as corticosteroid injections and surgery may be discussed.

This material is only provided as helpful information and you should always go to your medical doctor or podiatrist for a professional diagnosis.