What Causes Heel Spurs?

The small bony protrusion formed on the heel bone is actually a calcium deposit formed by the constant strain of the foot bone and is called heel spur. The formation of heel spurs does not occur suddenly, it begins to appear gradually over a long period of time and can be seen in people of all ages. The most common cause is strain on the muscles and ligaments in the foot. Another reason is the erosion of the membrane surrounding the heel bone.

Heel spurs occur quite frequently in people who are involved in certain sports. For example, athletes who frequently engage in running and jumping activities are at the top of this category. People at risk of heel spurs are mostly middle-aged, but it is not surprising that they are also seen in young individuals. Heel spur formation increases when the arch of the foot collapses and the Achilles tendon becomes tight. Long walks and gait disorders that put too much pressure on the heel, diabetes, and suddenly switching to intense sports when the body is not ready trigger heel spurs.