Heel spur

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A Heel spur is a radiological (X-ray) finding, often seen in sufferers from plantar fasciitis.

It consists of a thin spike of calcification, which lies within the plantar fascia at the point of its attachment to the calcaneum, or heel bone. While this condition is commonly present in plantar fasciitis, it is a result of the inflammation, and is not the cause of the pain caused thereby. The X-ray findings are not diagnostic, and are commonly reported in people not suffering from fasciitis.

[edit] Causes

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body but may also be the most deficient. The amount of calcium that we absorb from our food varies widely. Our age is one factor. An adolescent may absorb up to 75% of the calcium obtained from foods, while in adults the maximum absorption rate ranges from 20% to 30%.

Even though our bones feel solid and seem permanent they're just like any other body tissue - they're constantly being broken down and formed again. In an adult, 20 percent of bone calcium is withdrawn from bones and replaced each year. Thus, every five years the bones are renewed.

Calcium is found in the extra cellular fluids and soft tissues of the body where it is vital to normal cell functioning. Much of the calcium in soft tissues is concentrated in muscle, although it is contained in the membrane and cytoplasm of every cell.

When the body is deficient of calcium it begins to leach calcium from the bones. In many people this happens to be in the heel of the foot or some other weak area of the body. As the calcium is being leached, it forms an eruption. This eruption is the bone spur. When a bone spur is formed in the heel, it is called a heel spur.