Calcaneal Spur. Worse than a stone in your shoe.
If the typical stone in the shoe is uncomfortable, even worse is one inside the heel. This is how a calcaneal spur feels, which isn’t a stone, but a "bone" that forms under certain circumstances.
The legs are perfect locomotion machines, and our feet are at the forefront of their constant use. However, if we neglect them or aren't aware of potential issues, things often end poorly.
The Calcaneal Spur, a Stone in the Heel
The calcaneal bone forms the heel, and several important tissues are attached to it. One of them is the well-known Achilles tendon, and the other, a seldom-mentioned but no less important tissue, is the plantar fascia, which connects the heel to the toes and generates the tension that forms the arch of the foot.
When the plantar fascia is exposed to excessive traction and overload, microscopic tears form, which eventually calcify and create a lance- or triangular-shaped "bone," causing sharp, stabbing pain in the sole of the foot. It is generally one of the causes of fasciitis or often occurs alongside it.
Causes
There are factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Therefore, calcaneal spurs are more common in people who:
How to Know if It's a Spur
The main symptom of a calcaneal spur is pain in the inner part of the heel, and pinching sensations can also be felt in different areas of the foot. The appearance of the spur itself does not cause pain, and it is the inflammation of surrounding tissues that really causes the discomfort.
The causes of calcaneal spur formation are almost identical to those of fasciitis, as in 80% of cases, both conditions are related. Flat feet and overly arched feet tend to overload the plantar fascia, where the spur forms. Overweight can also wear out the tissue and cause small tears that later calcify. Sports practices and jobs that heavily stress the plantar fascia are also responsible for the formation of a calcaneal spur. In many cases, even an improper way of walking can gradually damage the fascia tissue, making it crucial to walk as properly as possible to prevent both a spur and fasciitis.
Treatment
Since calcaneal spurs and fasciitis often go hand in hand, the treatment is the same and aims to "de-stress" the plantar fascia to relieve symptoms and address the issue itself. This depends on the severity of the problem and the opinion of an expert. Recommendations include using orthotic insoles to reduce tension in the foot's sole and soften the step, which will also improve comfort while walking even with a calcaneal spur present.
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