What are Calcaneal Spurs?

21 December 2015 | John

Calcaneal Spurs (also known as heel spurs) are small bony protrusions on the heel. They can extend as much as a half-inch, and can cause severe heel pain. There are two types of calcaneal spur; an inferior calcaneal spur- a spur on the bottom of the heel - and a posterior calcaneal spur – a spur on the back of the heel.

What are the Symptoms of Calcaneal Spurs?

Calcaneal spurs are often symptomless, but they can be associated with intermittent pain during walking and running if there is inflammation at the point of the heel spur. The heel spur itself doesn’t cause pain, but the tissue damage it can cause soon will.

Commonly described as a stabbing pain, like a knife or a pin in the affected area, it’s usually the worst in the morning and turns into a dull ache through the day.

What are the Causes of Calcaneal Spurs?

The different types of calcaneal spur have different likely causes. Inferior calcaneal spurs usually develop due to plantar fasciitis over a long period and can also be associated with ankylosing spondylitis in children.

The spurs are usually calcium deposits and are generally caused by over-straining of the foot’s muscles and ligaments. There are a range of risk factors for calcaneal spurs, including:

Running on hard surfaces
Obesity and excess weight
Badly fitting shoes
Age
Diabetes
Frequent and short bursts of physical activity
Flat feet or high arches

Heel spurs are very common among athletes who perform a large amount of running and jumping because of the repeated strain and shocks the feet take as a result.

How Can Shoe Insoles Help With Calcaneal Spurs?

One of the ways shoe insoles can help with calcaneal spurs is to provide cushioning to the spur. This helps to reduce the strain the heel spur takes, thus reducing the amount of stress the soft tissue around the spur and reducing the pain it can cause.

Another way shoe insoles can help with calcaneal spurs is to more evenly redistribute the pressure of the foot. By shifting pressure away from the heel (one of the most heavily pressed upon parts of the foot), the insole helps to prevent the heel taking too much pressure and causing more pain.

Shoe insoles for calcaneal spurs come in a range of different sizes. For example, the Sof Sole Plantar Fasciitis Orthotic Insoles For Men is fantastic if you want a full length insole to support the entire foot as well as the heel. However, if you just want support for the heel and the heel alone, the Tuli's Classic Heel Cups are great for you.

But that’s not all! If you’re interested in getting your hands on some shoe insoles for calcaneal spurs, head on over to Shoe Insoles and check out or range of Insoles for Calcaneal Spurs.