HEEL SPURS - Introduction

INTRODUCTION
As you move with each step the load is equal to 20 times your own body weight passing through your foot.  This is softened by a pillow of fat under the heel and under the sole of the foot.

Inflammation of the plantar fascia is the cause of plantar fasciitis.  The plantar fascia is a broad band of tissue which originates from the heel, and runs along the sole of the foot and connects to the toe.  The function of the plantar fascia is like a rubber band forming the arch of your foot.  In a carvus foot or high arch the band is short, and in a pronated foot it is long and allows the arch to be low. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain Plantar fasciitis is often found with heel spurs or alone.  The heel spur is a calcium deposit in the plantar fascia attachment, or is it? 


The relationship between planter fasciitis and the occurrence of heel spurs McCarthy in the anatomical basis of inferior calcaneal lesions published in 'JAPMA' 1979 stated finding the spur in the origin of the flexor digitorum brevis.  It was asserted “the origin of the flexor digitorum brevis, quad. plantae, long plantar ligament, abductor hallucis muscle and the abductor digiti minumi are all sites of potential spur formation”.