Heel spur
Encyclopedia
A calcaneal spur is a small osteophyte (bone spur) located on the calcaneus (heel bone). Calcaneal spurs are typically detected by a radiological examination (X-ray
).
An inferior calcaneal spur is located on the inferior aspect of the calcaneus and is typically a response to plantar fasciitis
over a period of time, but may also be associated with ankylosing spondylitis
(typically in children). A posterior calcaneal spur develops on the back of the heel at the insertion of the Achilles tendon
.
An inferior calcaneal spur consists of a calcification
of the calcaneus which lies superior to the plantar fascia at the insertion of the plantar fascia. A posterior calcaneal spur is often large and palpable through the skin and may need to be removed as part of the treatment of insertional Achilles tendonitis
.
X-ray
X-radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation. X-rays have a wavelength in the range of 0.01 to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30 petahertz to 30 exahertz and energies in the range 120 eV to 120 keV. They are shorter in wavelength than UV rays and longer than gamma...
).
An inferior calcaneal spur is located on the inferior aspect of the calcaneus and is typically a response to plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory process of the plantar fascia, the connective tissue on the sole of the foot.Longstanding cases of plantar fasciitis often demonstrate more degenerative changes than inflammatory changes, in which case they are termed plantar fasciosis. The suffix...
over a period of time, but may also be associated with ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis , previously known as Bekhterev's disease, Bekhterev syndrome, and Marie-Strümpell disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton with variable involvement of peripheral joints and nonarticular structures...
(typically in children). A posterior calcaneal spur develops on the back of the heel at the insertion of the Achilles tendon
Achilles tendon
The Achilles tendon , also known as the calcaneal tendon or the tendo calcaneus, is a tendon of the posterior leg. It serves to attach the plantaris, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to the calcaneus bone.- Anatomy :The Achilles is the tendonous extension of 3 muscles in the lower leg:...
.
An inferior calcaneal spur consists of a calcification
Calcification
Calcification is the process in which calcium salts build up in soft tissue, causing it to harden. Calcifications may be classified on whether there is mineral balance or not, and the location of the calcification.-Causes:...
of the calcaneus which lies superior to the plantar fascia at the insertion of the plantar fascia. A posterior calcaneal spur is often large and palpable through the skin and may need to be removed as part of the treatment of insertional Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is tendonitis of the Achilles tendon, generally caused by overuse of the affected limb and is more common among athletes training in under less than ideal conditions...
.