Definition:
A heel spur is a thin calcifications within the plantar fascia that is attached to the calceneus, or heel bone. Heel spurs are commonly found in patients with plantar fasciitis.
Diagnosis:
X-ray tests are used to diagnose presence of heel spurs.
Treatment:
The heel spur is treated by cold compress therapies and NSAIDs. Other treatments to prevent swelling are done in response to the pains brought about by plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms and Signs:
Swelling of the heel bone is observed, but heel spur itself is a symptom of the disease plantar fasciitis.
Causes:
The heel spur is caused by an inflammatory disease called plantar fasciitis. It is the swelling of the plantar fascia due to biomechanical problems including obesity.
