Calcaneal spur

Calcaneal spur
Other namesHeel spur
A radiograph showing osteophytes on the posterior and inferior aspects of the calcaneus
SpecialtyRheumatology Edit this on Wikidata

A calcaneal spur (also known as a heel spur) is a bony outgrowth from the calcaneal tuberosity (heel bone).[1] Calcaneal spurs are typically detected by x-ray examination.[2] It is a form of exostosis.

When a foot is exposed to constant stress, calcium deposits build up on the bottom of the heel bone. Generally, this has no effect on a person's daily life. However, repeated damage can cause these deposits to pile up on each other, causing a spur-shaped deformity, called a calcaneal (or heel) spur.[3]

An inferior calcaneal spur is located on the inferior aspect of the calcaneus and is typically a response to plantar fasciitis over a period, but may also be associated with ankylosing spondylitis (typically in children). A posterior calcaneal spur develops on the back of the heel at the insertion of the Achilles tendon.[3]

An inferior calcaneal spur consists of a calcification of the calcaneus, which lies superior to the plantar fascia at the insertion of the plantar fascia. A posterior calcaneal spur is often large and palpable through the skin and may need to be removed as part of the treatment of insertional Achilles tendonitis.[3]

  1. ^ Kirkpatrick J, Yassaie O, Mirjalili SA (June 2017). "The plantar calcaneal spur: a review of anatomy, histology, etiology and key associations". Journal of Anatomy. 230 (6): 743–751. doi:10.1111/joa.12607. PMC 5442149. PMID 28369929.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Heel and Foot Pain was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b c CE4RT.com (November 18, 2013). Radiography of the Foot. p. 19. Retrieved December 9, 2017.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)