Overview

Heel Spur

A heel spur is a calcium deposit on the underside of the heel that causes a bony protrusion. This usually occurs over a period of many months.

Heel spurs are especially common among athletes whose activities include large amounts of running and jumping. The most common causes of heel spurs include:

• Running or jogging on hard surfaces, which can strain foot muscles and ligaments, stretch the plantar fascia and cause repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone
• Walking gait abnormalities
• Poorly fitting shoes
• Excess weight