A bone spur is an abnormal projection of bone from an existing bone. There is not a joint that a bone spur cannot find.
Bone spurs affect millions of people in the form of osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, and other bone and tendon disorders.
A bone spur occurs due to chronic damage to a joint, tendon, or bone. Damage comes from high-impact exercise, use over time, or specific traumas.
They often cause pain in surrounding areas and can progress over time without treatment.
Are your first few steps in the morning severely painful over the bottom of your heel?
Plantar fasciitis is most often a result of overuse including excessive standing, walking, or even athletics.
The plantar fascia is a fibrous tissue that becomes inflamed and irritated. Over time the disease can progress to the reformation of the fibers.
The reforming of the fibers can develop into knots and scar tissue, which can further your pain.
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It connects the muscles in the lower leg (calf) to the heel bone. With every movement of the foot, the Achilles tendon stretches and tightens. Because it is under so much stress, it can partially or completely tear (rupture) from excess force or overuse. Ruptures usually occur about two inches above where the tendon attaches to the heel bone.
An Achilles tendon rupture is most common in middle-aged “weekend warriors” who are not conditioned for athletics and who neglect to properly warm-up and stretch prior to exercise. Ruptures frequently occur from sudden movements that stress the calf muscles, such as jumping or quick stops; from overstretching; from vigorous exercise after a long period of inactivity; or from untreated Achilles tendinitis/tendinosis (overuse).