A calcaneal spur or heel spur is a small osteophyte (bone spur) located on the calcaneus. It is the result of a plantar fascia repetitive traction at periosteum level. Calcium deposits build up on the bottom of the heel bone. Repeated traction can cause these deposits to pile up on each other. It produces  inflammation in the heel area, in particular the part that steps on the floor.

Symptons

It is a pain that mostly starts showing at first hours of the day, when waking up in the morning and setting the foot on the ground. Afterwards the pain lessens as the  plantar fascia stretches but it increases in intensity after prolonged periods of rest.

Treatment

• Rest.
• Physical therapy.
• Shoes with good support and cushions or heel-pads.
• Infiltrations.

In a small percentage of cases the conservative treatment is not enough and patients may not experience relief after trying the recommendations, then they need treatment.

Surgical treatment consists of a plantar fascia release, partially or totally, and spur resection. These techniques can be done by means of an open surgery or a percutaneous one with similar results.