Description of Bone Heel Spurs

Bone heel spurs are common foot ailment; resulting from abnormal bone growth of the heel bone. This growth usually occurs on the underside of the heel bone and extends forward towards the toes. They are usually found in patients after or slightly before the age of six or eight years as by this age the arch of the foot has developed completely. This condition has results in the decrease of the arch of foot. Bone heels spurs cause the painful tearing of the connective tissue lying between the toes and the heels making it to be unbearable. It can be very painful.

Causes of Bone Heel Spurs

The etiology of bone heel spurs can be traced to pronation or mal-alignment of the feet. A defective gait or walk is also one of the reasons of the bone heel spurs to occur. The proper functioning of the feet is possible with a pronation which has to be of a certain degree. Pronation is an inward action of the feet and occurs while dropping of the feet on heels while walking. The weight of the entire body has to be distributed properly from heels to the toes during walking. When this pronation becomes extreme or there is unequal distribution of weight then it creates bone heel spurs.

Bone Heel Spurs and Genu Valgum

The term 'genu valgum' is a medical term for 'knock knees'. A person who has knock knees has an inward angulation of his lower legs. Such persons have greater tendency towards excessive pronation. This may in many cases lead to fallen arch which have all the likelihood to develop this ailment of bone heels spurs. The interesting fact is that women have been noticed to have more 'genu valgum' than men and this explains why women are found to be most affected by bone heels spurs. However, there is more research going on the subject and a lot is expected.

Symptoms of Bone Heel Spurs

Bone heel spurs do not have any symptoms of their own. They can cause problems only when they protrude into the plantar fascia. The protrusion results in inflammation of the plantar fascia causing plantar fasciitis. Pain and swelling is seen in patients with heel spurs and if they are not treated in time then this can become very painful and the patient may not be able to walk because of the pain. In order to avoid the pain caused by the bone heel spurs the patients start walking on their toes ball of the foot which causes strain to the legs, ankles, knee, and hip.

Who are likely to get Bone Heel Spurs?

Bone heel spurs are most commonly seen in middle-aged people but they can also be found in all age groups. The incidence is as high as 70 percent in patients who are having plantar fasciitis. People indulging in athletic activities are also affected by them. It has been found that the bone heel spurs are formed more in women than men. Persons who have to do activities which require them to stand for long hours also develop these heel spurs. The people who do not maintain correct posture while walking or doing exercises are at risk to develop this irritating condition.