Achilles Heel Spur

On an x ray a heel spur can extend forward by as much as a half inch.

Achilles heel spur.

A heel spur is a calcium deposit causing a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. A heel spur also called retrocalcaneal exostosis or an achilles heel spur is the overgrowth of bone on the back of the heel. Achilles tendonitis occurs when the tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel becomes painful or inflamed. An achilles tendon bone spur can be caused due to overgrowth of bony tissue at the point of insertion of the achilles tendon with the heel bone.

Problems with the achilles tendon can also result in bone spurs also known as retrocalcaneal exostosis. In many cases the condition results in the growth of additional bone and scar tissue in the achilles tendon also known as tendinosis. See achilles tendonitis and tendon injuries. Without visible x ray evidence.

With a contraction of the calf muscles which is needed for walk run or jump the achilles tendon stretches causing a friction at the surface of a heel bone. If a bone spur near the achilles tendon rubs on nearby tissues it can lead to bursitis in the heel area. This bone spur can result in additional strain on to the achilles tendon resulting in irritation and inflammation of the tendon and interfere with its functionality. Heel spurs themselves usually cause no symptoms.

Heel spurs can be located at the back of the heel or under the heel beneath the arch of the foot. Nevertheless they can be associated with heel pain and tenderness of the tissues adjacent to the spur such as on the bottom of the heel or the back of the heel where the ligament plantar fascia or achilles tendon attach. This painful condition is often related to the chronic tugging of a tight achilles tendon on the heel bone calcaneus. Common causes include exercising without a proper warm up and playing sports that.

This condition usually affects the retrocalcaneal bursa which is a fluid filled sac located near the heel where the calf muscle attaches to the heel bone. The bone spur can irritate the achilles tendon potentially causing more tendon damage. When the tendon is overly tight it can pull on the heel bone resulting in a spur. Heel spurs at the back of the heel are frequently associated with inflammation of the achilles tendon tendinitis and cause tenderness and heel pain made worse while pushing off the ball of the foot.

The bone spur gradually develops around the tendon where it inserts into attaches to the bone.