HEEL SPURS OR PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
By: Sara John, C.Ped (C)., C.Ped Tech (C)
Heel spurs also known as calcaneal spurs are bony outgrowths that can occur on the underside of a person’s foot due to repetitive damage to the heel resulting in a buildup of calcium.
Heel spurs happen when long-term muscle and ligament strain wears out the soft tissues in the heel or when the membrane covering the heel bone is torn. Athletic activities or frequent walking, jumping or running on hard surfaces can increase the risk of wearing out the heel. As a person ages, the fat pads in the heel wears down and fails to provide enough shock absorption. Over time, calcium deposits can build up under the heel and present as bony protrusions, which are heel spurs.
Diabetes, obesity, arthritis, trauma to heel, improper footwear etc can also be risk factors for developing heel spurs.
The pain can range from a dull nagging ache that feels like a rock in the shoe to a sharp knife-like pain in the heel when standing up mostly in the morning or to an excruciating pain that prevents regular activities including walking. There might be a point of tenderness on the bottom of the heel that makes it hard to walk barefoot.
The two common types of heel spurs are an inferior calcaneal spur and posterior calcaneal spur. An inferior calcaneal spur results from repetitive stress to the bottom of the heel whereas a posterior calcaneal spur is due to repeated trauma to the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches.
Heel spurs are often confused with plantar fasciitis. Having plantar fasciitis can increase the risk of developing heel spurs. An X-ray can help to detect the spur.
Pedorthic treatment includes custom made foot orthotics that can help reduce the pressure and impact forces when active. The orthotics designed to treat heel spurs have a heel wall, a hole cut out of the bottom of the heel cup and filled with soft material to cradle and cushion the inflamed area. Over the counter heel spur cushions, which are soft pads put under the heel inside the shoes, can help if used in proper footwear with structural integrity. .
