Heel Spurs

The calcaneous, or the heel bone, is the largest bone in the foot. Upon heel strike during walking, the heel bone absorbs shock and pressure. If this pressure is excessive, the shock cannot be absorbed resulting in injury to the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the band of fibrous tissue located along the bottom surface of the foot that runs from the heel to the forefoot. Excessive pressure from overpronation and other overuse syndromes can also lead to excessive stretching of the plantar fascia, causing injury.

When the plantar fascia is injured, the body sends a message to repair it. Calcium deposits form to protect the fascia. These deposits build up over time forming heel spurs. As the heel spurs grow, pain and discomfort become an issue. Plantar fasciitis, strains on the foot muscles and ligaments, and repeated tearing of the membrane covering the heel bones can trigger the formation of heel spurs. People with low-arched feet or people with high-arched feet are more susceptible to the formation of heel spurs. However, any type of foot can develop them.