Heel spur or calcaneal spur

Heel spurs, also known as calcaneal spurs, are bony growths that form on the underside of the heel, specifically the heel bone, called the calcaneus.
In response to microtrauma, calcium deposits gradually form where the plantar ligament attaches to the heel bone. These deposits can develop over time and form a thorn-like growth, hence the name. Our orthotists tell you more!

Heel spur on X ray

Les douleurs au talon comme la bursite ou la fasciite plantaire sont des affections douloureuses.
L'Épine de Lenoir est une conséquence d'une fasciite plantaire mal traitée.

Difference between heel spur and plantar fasciitis

These two foot pathologies are often associated. In truth, the difference between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs lies in their nature and manifestation.

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation and pain of the plantar ligament, which connects the heel to the toes and supports the arch of the foot. The pain is felt in the heel or sole of the foot, usually with the first steps in the morning or after a period of rest. On the other hand, the heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the heel bone.

It is often the consequence of an untreated plantar fasciitis, but if they are often linked, it is possible to suffer from a plantar fasciitis without having a heel spur and vice versa.

In fact, heel spurs are an asymptomatic condition. Rather than being painful, this growth is actually created by the body to compensate for the ongoing inflammatory reaction of the fascia, often induced by plantar fasciitis.

La fasciite plantaire prend un peu de temps pour guérir.

Heel spurs : symptoms

In fact, heel spurs are an asymptomatic condition. Rather than being painful, this growth is actually created by the body to compensate for the ongoing inflammatory reaction of the fascia, often induced by plantar fasciitis.

However, the following symptoms can be associated with heel spurs:

Pain under the foot, in the heel
A local sensitivity
A morning stiffness
Pain that is more pronounced during a period of rest or prolonged standing

To ensure that you are on the right track, you should consult a specialist. He is the only one able to rule out any other pathology or condition of the foot.

What causes a heel spur

The causes of a heel spur are similar to those of plantar fasciitis, since it is often a defensive reaction to compensate for the overuse of the fascia. These include:

⦁ Overweight – Excess weight, such as from obesity or pregnancy, puts additional pressure on the structures of the foot, including the plantar ligament. This can increase the stress on the ligament and promote the formation of a heel spur.
⦁ Wearing the wrong shoes, which do not support the foot well or do not have good cushioning or stability.
⦁ High-impact activities, such as running, weightlifting and jumping rope.
⦁ Hollow or flat foot – In the case of the hollow foot, the high arch of the foot can lead to increased stress on the plantar ligament and other structures of the foot. In the case of the flat foot, the pressure is poorly distributed across the foot because the arch of the foot is collapsed. This excessive pressure can also cause overstress.

The Laboratoire Orthopédique Jérôme Marier will help you recover your foot by making custom-made foot orthoses and orthopedic shoes.

Do you feel any pain?

Contact us if you feel pain in the heel or if you have a prescription from your doctor for the making of a pair of orthoses.

Calcaneal heel spur treatment

Once the growth has formed, only surgery can be considered if it is to be removed. However, this is not a recommended practice and it is more important to think of ways to reduce inflammation and pain.

In particular, the use of custom-made foot orthotics can help support the arch of the foot, correct biomechanical imbalances and reduce tension on the plantar ligament and the spine. The same is true for wearing orthopedic shoes.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Analgesics may also be used as needed. However, it is important to follow the recommendations and prescriptions of the health care professional.

Physical therapy may include stretching and strengthening exercises of the foot and calf to improve flexibility, stability and relieve tension on the plantar ligament. Treatment modalities, such as electrotherapy or shockwave therapy, can also be used to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

To prevent heel spurs, make sure to wear proper shoes, strive for a healthy weight to avoid putting too much pressure on the feet. Finally, be careful with impact sports that cause too much shock.

The best insoles for heel spurs are custom made at Laboratoire Orthopédique

Our Laboratoire Orthopédique specializes in the manufacture of custom-made orthotics and offers orthopedic shoes adapted to all types of pathology. Our goal: finding the solution to your problems and helping you regain a pleasant quality of life.

Make an appointment at the Laboratory so that we can bring you the relief you need!