An inferior calcaneal spur is a sharp and intense pain at the bottom of your heel; especially, experienced when you take your first few steps in the morning. Gather further insight into this condition through this article.
The heels of the foot consists of three components: 1) the heel bone; 2) a cushion of fat that acts like a thick pad; and 3) a thick layer of skin. There are times when an intense, sharp pain stings at the bottom of the heel. This condition may be caused by a heel spurs or inferior calcaneal spur. It is the connective tissue that extends from the heel bone to the base of the toes, that creates an excessive pull or force on the heel. The growth of an extra bone on the calcaneus, also called the heel bone, is formed through the pull that is exerted on the heel. As time elapses, the extra bone or the heel spur that is formed causes constant pain. This pain seems to subside and the condition becomes less painful to endure as the foot gradually adjusts to the new growth.
Understanding Inferior Calcaneal Spur
When a heel spur develops, it can be extremely painful while the person walks. The pain heightens, especially, in the morning when we set foot on the ground. The sudden movement makes the heel all the more susceptible to pain. The pain subsides once the individual walks around for a longer time. A fluid pocket called a bursa will develop beneath the spur. This fluid pocket is responsible for the development of inflammations. The heel spurs, also known as inferior calcaneal bursitis, is a condition that is bound to create a throbbing type of pain. However, it is possible for a bursa to form even when a heel spur is not present. When the heel spur develops, the pain may alleviate the condition and may become very painful, if the area is injured. Predominantly, heel spurs are known to trouble those who play sports. A heel spur can be diagnosed by a doctor during a physical examination. It is when the physician presses the center of the heel, that he finds a painful area. This is when a heel spur is present. The diagnosis can be confirmed by conducting X-rays. However, it has been noted that newly formed spurs are not be detected in X-rays.
Causes that Lead to Inferior Calcaneal Spur
Heel spurs can be caused due to many reasons. A type of pain in the heel that is detected in children is known Sever’s disease. This is one condition that is caused by damage to the cartilage. Conducting activities or any type of strain that is applied has the potential to break the cartilage, thereby causing pain. The cartilage that is situated along the outline of the heel gets injured and suffers damage, leading to an uncomfortable feeling in the heel. This condition is treated by placing heel pads in the shoes.
Posterior Achilles tendon bursitis is another heel condition that causes pain. This condition of the foot is caused when a person walks in such a manner that the soft tissues behind the heel exert a lot of pressure when pressed against the back support of the shoe. The inflammation of the bursa leads to increased amount of pain. The bursa that is located between the skin of the heel and the Achilles tendon becomes susceptible to pain and tenderness. As a result, the area becomes hard and red, and is located high on the back of the heel. This condition is treated by eliminating the pressure, through injections and surgery, if need be.
Treatment Offered for Inferior Calcaneal Spur
In majority of cases, heel spurs could well be treated in order to relieve the pain using a mixture of local anesthetic and corticosteroids which is injected into the heel. The use of shoe soles in the shoe may be necessary to stabilize the heel by minimizing the stretching of the fascia, and thereby reducing the pain. You must bear in mind that a heel spur can be very painful, however, most of the inferior calcaneal spur would be treated without the help of surgery. But in some cases, if there is constant pain that is making movement difficult and also interfering with walking, surgery may be recommended. The pain generally subsides after the surgery is conducted. Nevertheless, cases should not be ruled out where the pain has persisted even after the surgery.
Calcaneal spur should not be ignored. Put home remedies to practice insofar as the condition allows; however, if you are in discomfort, seek medical aid and leave the final word to your physician.