Heel Spur information and treatment

A heel spur is a bony growth on the heel bone (calcaneus). The heel spur itself is actually not causing any pain. It is the inflamed tissue around the spur that causes pain and discomfort. Heel spurs are a very common foot problem in the UK, with hundreds of thousands of people suffering each year.

Most people experience heel pain with their first steps in the morning, after getting out of bed. It is presented by a sharp stabbing pain at the bottom or front of the heel bone. Usually the heel pain subsides after a while, turning into a dull ache. The pain will come back when getting up after sitting for a long period.

Heel spurs (and heel pain) are caused by a condition called Plantar Fasciitis. This is Latin for inflammation of Plantar Fascia. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue under the foot that runs from the toes to the heel bone. It forms the arch of the foot. Normally, the fascia is flexible and strong. However, due to factors such as abnormal stress, excessive weight, age, or poor foot function painful stretching and micro-tearing of the plantar fascia occurs, leading to irritation and inflammation in the area where the at the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone.

The body responds to the continuous pulling of the fascia at the heel bone, by developing a bony growth on the calcaneus (heel bone). This spiky piece of bone is referred to as a heel spur or calcaneal spur.