What is the "Heel Spur Syndrome"

What is the "Heel Spur Syndrome"

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QUESTION: It is more than mere annoyance and it is completely ruining my
carefully planned exercise program. What can you tell me about the "heel spur
syndrome" that bothers runners and how is it treated?
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ANSWER: Heel spur syndrome is a painful condition of the heel and bottom of
the foot that can happen to runners and others who walk or use their feet a
lot. It is usually triggered by an injury to the heel. The syndrome is
misnamed a bit because it may be due to an inflammation of a tendon called the
plantar fascia that runs along the bottom of the foot as well as a true heel
spur, an overgrowth of bone (exostosis) that extends from the weight bearing
portion of the heel bone (the calcaneus) forward along the same tendon. This
type of spur is frequently found affecting both feet, but not all spurs cause
pain, nor is every heel pain caused by a spur. The easiest way to treat heel
spur syndrome is to give your feet a bit of the extra rest they are demanding.
It may help to take pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs. Runners who
develop this syndrome should add extra heel padding to their running shoes.
Several special heel pads for this condition are currently on the market.
Special taping or strapping of the foot may also help. If symptoms are not
relieved, cortisone injections may be prescribed and if the condition does not
respond, surgical removal may be necessary if the spur is the cause of the
pain.