Causes of Heel Spurs

Spurs, which are also referred to as osteophytes, can grow on any bone, especially along joints or in the spine. Spurs that develop on the heel may be related to disorders of the foot or other types of medical conditions, and can cause symptoms including pain, stiffness and difficulty walking, although some people may not experience any symptoms at all.

Aging

• Some people may develop heel spurs as a result of wear and tear on the bones that comes with age . A person could have a heel spur for many years and not realize it, and may only be diagnosed incidentally during an X-ray or treatment for another bone condition such as osteoporosis. Older people also lose some of the fat that cushions the heel and ball, which may make the pain from heel spurs more noticeable with increasing age.

Exercise

• The foot bears a significant amount of force during exercise, which can sometimes result in the development of heel spurs. Activities like running and jumping can strain the ligaments and bones of the heel and cause spurs. Exercising without stretching the legs and feet may also result in the development of heel spurs.

Injuries

• Injuries to the foot from a fall or strenuous activity may be a cause of heel spurs. Tearing of the plantar fascia or other tendons of the foot can cause heel spurs to develop. Muscle strains in the foot, as well as damage to the membranes around the heel bones, can also cause heel spurs.

Osteoarthritis

• Osteoarthritis, which is commonly referred to as arthritis, may be a cause of heel spurs, especially in older people. People with arthritis may develop heel spurs as a result of the body trying to protect itself from weakening of the cartilage and bone in other parts of the heel and foot. Heel spurs that are caused by osteoarthritis can make walking and foot movement even more painful and difficult than having either condition by itself.

Personal Habits

• Certain types of personal habits may be a cause of heel spurs, especially among women. Women who wear high heeled shoes or shoes that do not properly fit may develop spurs on the heel. Wearing shoes with little or no cushioning in the heel area can also promote the development of heel spurs.

Plantar Fasciitis

• Plantar fasciitis is a disorder of the foot that includes inflammation and pain in the arch and heel, and may be a cause of heel spurs. Plantar fasciitis is common in people with very high arches in the foot as well as people who have flat feet. Heel spurs can result due to frequent irritation of the tissue in the heel where the fascia connects to the bone.