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Heel Spurs are caused by Prolonged Plantar Fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of the Plantar Fascia (a thick band of tissue at the bottom of the foot).

The Plantar Fascia is a fibrous span of semi-elastic tissue on the sole that serves as a cushion and helps keep the foot stable and intact.

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The thickest portion of the fascia lies between the base of the great toe and the medial tubercle of the calcaneous (beginning of the heel bone).

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis;

1. Arch and Heel Pain. (at the calcaneal attachment fig 2.).

2. Pain in the morning on first weight bearing or after prolonged sitting is severe but subsides after 15-20 steps.

3. Late in the day the pain becomes progressively worse in the calcaneal attachment region and or in the mid foot region. fig 3.

Calcaneal Spur / Heel Spur

The Spur is caused by the continual tearing of the plantar fascia from it's calcaneal attachment. As the body attempts to heel this injury scar tissue is formed, calcium is also deposited as a corrective measure. Thus a 'Heel Spur' is Formed.

Causes:

Plantar Fasciitis is caused by;

1. a drastic increase in routine walking activity with inadequate arch support. (The plantar fasicia like tendons in the body is subject to injury with overexertion.)

2. walking or standing bare foot on hard surfaces. (One should also wear a sandle or shoe with adequate support in the home or on hard surfaces.)

3. weight gain.

4. foot type (high arches/flat feet)

5. trauma

6. often there is no single cause but a combination of factors result in Plantar Fasciitis.

Treatments:

1. Proper arch support through custom orthotics and supportive foot wear.

2. Controlling body weight and limiting sudden increases in walking activity.

3. Refraining from walking or standing barefoot on hard surfaces.

4. Rest, Ice and an anti-inflammatory agent.

Sources:

Alexander, Ian J., The Foot, Examination and Diagnosis, Churchill Livingstone Inc. 1997.

Rossi, William A., Tennant, Ross, Professional Shoe Fitting, Pedorthic Footwear Association with acknowledgement to the National Shoe Retailers Association, 2000.