A heel spur is a bony growth of calcium around the tendons and ligaments where they attach to the heel bone. The spur grows from the bone into the flesh of the foot. Heel spurs typically result from repeated stress, such as running. They can also be caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, poor circulation and other degenerative diseases. Because a heel spur can be quite painful and interfere with daily exercise and activities, it's important to know the symptoms so it can be treated properly.
Bony Growth
X-rays can reveal a bony growth protruding into the flesh of the heel. This can resemble a tooth or hook sticking out of the bone.
Heel Pain
Because a heel spur grows around the tendons, it can be a constant source of aching in the foot. You may experience stiffness or pain upon getting out of bed in the morning. When you place your weight on your foot to walk or push off to run, the pain can be severe and debilitating. This pain can decrease during activity once the muscles and tendons are loosened up, but it usually comes back.
Inflamed Tendons
The pain is actually caused by inflamed tendons, not the spur itself. The heel spur aggravates and rubs against area tendons in the heel, causing them to become irritated and inflamed. Your heel may be tender and feel warm to the touch, which are signs of inflammation.
Inflammation can be minimized through rest, ice and ibuprofen. Recognize what activity is causing the pain, and reduce or eliminate it until the pain is gone. Avoid running or playing through the pain; this will make it worse. Rest is the best way to let the inflammation in the tendons heal.
