×

This article on Epainassist.com has been reviewed by a medical professional, as well as checked for facts, to assure the readers the best possible accuracy.

We follow a strict editorial policy and we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any level of plagiarism. Our articles are resourced from reputable online pages. This article may contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.

The feedback link “Was this Article Helpful” on this page can be used to report content that is not accurate, up-to-date or questionable in any manner.

This article does not provide medical advice.

1

Is Heel Spur Syndrome Hereditary?

Spur is a sharp bony growth occurs in the bone and when it occurs in the heel bones then it is termed as heels spurs. The cause of the problem is the local inflammation that happens by the insertion of soft tissues in the tendon and fascia region. Heel spurs can be located on different areas of heels such as back of the heel, under the heel or at the sole of the foot. Spurs at the back area of the heel is mainly caused because of Achilles tendon inflammation, this leads to severe pain and warmth in the heels. The pain becomes even more severe when the ball of the foot is pressed or pushed.

Is Heel Spur Syndrome Hereditary?

Is Heel Spur Syndrome Hereditary?

Yes, research reports reveal that heel spur is a hereditary problem and is passed on from one generation to another. This is the reason why doctors always ask for the family history of the patient at the time of diagnosis. There are cases where the problem of heel spurs has been passed on to every generation.

Heel spurs that occurs at the sole area of the heel are caused because of the plantar fascia inflammation. Patient experiences stretching of tissue right below the sole attached to the heels. This type of spur is known as Plantar heel spurs leads to tenderness of heels and further the pain gets severe if the patients try to stand on their heels or put pressure on the heels.

Heel spurs can either occur alone or can be interlinked with other physical problem that leads to arthritis, like ankylosing spondylitis, DISH i.e. diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, reactive arthritis and so on. In most of the situations patients do not experience any symptoms of heel spurs and the patient gets to know about the same only when x-ray of the patient is taken.

How is Heel Spur Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose heel spur based on the severity and frequency of pain experienced by the patent and also by the tenderness in the parts of the heels. The problem is also identify is extreme tenderness under the heels and because of this patient find it extremely difficult to walk without footwear on floors. X-ray of heels is the best and the most appropriate way to know whether the person is suffering from heels spurs or not.

Heels Spur Treatment

Doctors treat heel spurs by providing medications that will reduce the inflammation and will also help in curing the injuries. Application of local ice on the infected area helps in providing relief from pain and is also very effective in eliminating inflammation. Intake of anti-inflammation medication also proves to be of great help. Some of the effective anti-inflammation medications are cortisone injections and ibuprofen. Although, these medicines are very effective in treating heels spur but patient should always consult from doctor and should not take any medicine on their own. This can have adverse and severe effect on the patient.

If the condition of the patient with heel spurs has become worst then the last operation option opted by doctors is the surgery.

Precautions for Heal Spurs

Patient suffering from heel spurs you should use good quality soft footwear that is properly padded with cushion; this will reduce the amount of pressure exerted on the heels. Patients should strictly avoid high heel footwear. Also, if patient experience severe pain in their heels because of heel spurs then they should immediately consult about the same with the doctor. Delay in treatment can make the problem worst and complicated. Patients should religiously follow the precautions advised by the doctor and should not take the problem lightly.

References:

  1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “Heel Pain.” https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/heel-pain
  2. Mayo Clinic. “Heel Spur.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heel-spur/symptoms-causes/syc-20379919
  3. MedlinePlus. “Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis.” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007021.htm

Also Read:

Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:August 18, 2023

Recent Posts

Related Posts