Spur, what is it? Causes, most affected profiles and treatment

The spur is the result of calcification caused by bleeding inside the heels, forming a small bony protuberance.

Have you ever heard of someone who developed a spur? Well, the situation is not fun at all, as you will see today. But, first of all, we need to better understand what the problem is.

Our foot is made up of more than 20 bones divided basically into three regions: tarsus, metatarsus and phalanges. The tarsus is the region responsible for supporting our body, where the talus and calcaneus bones (largest bone in the foot) are located, considered important supports.

This last bone described gives shape to the heel, having the primary function of redistributing the weight received by the body to other regions of the foot. It is at this point, above all, that the spur forms.

Firstly, the spur can be defined as the extraordinary growth of the calcaneus, the heel bone described in the paragraph above. Also called calcification, the sensation described by those who suffer from the problem is that there seems to be the emergence of new bone formation in the region. And that’s exactly it!

The problem is called heel spur due to the protuberance that appears in the region. It resembles a spur, that object used in boots to hit the horse’s ribs and make it move.

The pathology can cause heel pain. Despite this, discomfort is not a rule. The pain appears when the feet touch the floor, and the region needs to support the body.

What is the spur?

As previously mentioned, spurs are the appearance of abnormal calcification in the calcaneus. In other words, it is when the heel ligaments, after suffering calcification, end up generating a bulge in the region.

It is possible to identify the anomaly easily, simply by passing your hand and feeling the formation of a new bone. Calcaneal spurs are very uncomfortable on the sole of the foot.

Although there is no distinction between genders and can also affect men on duty, this pathology proportionally affects many more women. Furthermore, the most common age range for spurs to appear is over 40 years of age.

Due to the body support function of the calcaneus, pain can be more intense. Remembering again that not everyone feels these pains.

How does a calcaneal spur appear?

Initially, the development of the pathology mainly affects people who spend a lot of time standing. It is common, above all, in people who put a lot of strain on the region, such as those who practice sports such as running, athletics, football, volleyball and all other physical activities that place a high demand on the plantar fascia of the feet.

In short, an internal wound occurs as wear progresses, which is the main point in the evolution of the spur. When the wound appears, blood accumulates in the calcaneal region and ends up calcifying.

The pain generated can radiate through the foot and leg, because the calcaneus bone is connected to the tendons and connective tissue. Consequently, this connection is also established in the calf muscles. Everything is, in a certain way, interconnected in the organism.

Finally, it is necessary to emphasize that it is not the calcification itself that is responsible for the pain, but rather the entire change in the structure in the region that is directly associated with it.

Most affected profiles

Initially, those most likely to develop the disease are those aged between 40 and 50 years. At this age, wear and tear occurs almost naturally.

Another extremely large risk factor is people with obesity. Because, the weight on the heels is aggressive for the heels.

Lastly, pathology can also occur due to the anatomy of the feet. Curved and flat feet are also more prone to developing spurs. This happens because it is very difficult to find shoes that fit your shape.

Treatment

Initially, the doctor will focus on combating pain to, consequently, improve the patient’s quality of life. The easiest way to alleviate symptoms is to use ice packs and, if possible, rest. Placing your feet up is also very helpful during treatment.

If the patient experiences more pain when walking, then the doctor’s focus will be on the soles of the feet. To reduce the impact of footsteps, insoles and orthopedic shoes will be routine for patients with spurs.

However, the problem will not be resolved if all of this is not associated with anti-inflammatory medications.

Physiotherapy is also another medical prescription that helps in positive development against the disease. Stretching can relieve tension and give the patient a better quality of life. Finally, after trying all the methods above, the only way out is, above all, surgical procedures.

Finally, to find out more, read Ballerina feet impress in images taken backstage at the ballet

Sources: Drauzio Varella, Saúde Bem Estar, Gaúcha ZH, Hospital Sírio Libanês, Hospital Nove de Julho, Clínica Dr. Hong Jin Pai, Tua Saúde.

Images: Drauzio Varella, Portal J Fonte, Gaúcha ZH, Doctor Shoe, Instituto Abathon.