A heel spur is a calcium deposit that forms a small, often hook-shaped, bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone, or calcaneus. These growths are the body’s response to chronic stress and strain on the foot’s soft tissues. While the heel spur itself may not always be the direct cause of pain, its presence signifies an underlying inflammatory problem that, if ignored, can lead to severe complications.
The Link Between Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis
Heel spurs are rarely the primary source of heel pain; instead, they are physical evidence of chronic plantar fasciitis. This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. Repetitive strain or excessive tension causes the fascia to pull repeatedly on its attachment point on the heel bone.
The body responds by depositing calcium to strengthen the area, which eventually forms the characteristic bone spur. When a heel spur goes untreated, the chronic inflammation and tension in the plantar fascia—the true source of most pain—are also being ignored.
Escalation of Pain and Chronic Tissue Damage
Allowing the inflammation to continue leads directly to the worsening of localized symptoms. The initial sharp pain often felt with the first steps in the morning can gradually worsen into chronic discomfort that persists throughout the day. This escalation occurs as ongoing stress leads to micro-tears within the plantar fascia.
The body’s repeated attempts to heal these micro-injuries result in the thickening and scarring of the tissue, a degenerative condition sometimes referred to as plantar fasciosis. This chronic inflammation degrades the tissue structure, making the plantar fascia less elastic and more brittle. In severe cases, the weakened fascia becomes vulnerable to a partial or complete rupture, which is a sudden, painful event. Untreated inflammation can also lead to the formation of non-cancerous nodules along the fascia, known as plantar fibromatosis.
Impact on Biomechanics and Secondary Injuries
Pain from an untreated heel spur forces the body to adjust its movements, leading to altered biomechanics. An individual often unconsciously changes their walking pattern by limping or walking on the outside of the foot to shift weight away from the painful heel. This compensatory movement disturbs the body’s natural alignment and stability.
The resulting uneven weight distribution places abnormal stress on joints and tendons. This can create a domino effect of overuse injuries in the lower limbs and back. For example, the altered gait can lead to tendonitis in the Achilles tendon or stress fractures in the foot or ankle bones. Misalignments can also aggravate pain in the knees, hips, and lower back due to the repetitive, asymmetrical loading of these larger joints.
Chronic Mobility Limitations
Neglecting a heel spur leads to chronic limitations on physical activity and quality of life. As heel pain becomes persistent, many people avoid activities that involve walking, running, or standing for long periods. This avoidance leads to a progressively sedentary lifestyle.
The reduction in physical activity can result in muscle weakness and a loss of flexibility, as well as secondary health issues associated with inactivity. Over time, the chronic pain and restricted movement may necessitate more invasive management strategies, such as specialized injections or, rarely, surgery. If the condition remains untreated for a significant duration, the loss of flexibility and function in the foot may become permanent.