Foot bone spurs
A bone spur forms as the bone tries to repair itself by building extra bone. It generally forms in response to pressure, rubbing, or stress that continues over a period of time. Some bone spurs form as part of the aging process. As we age, the slippery tissue called cartilage that covers the ends of the bones within joints breaks down and eventually wears away. This results in a condition called osteoarthritis. Bone spurs due to aging are especially common in the joints of the spine and feet. Bone spurs form in the feet in response to tight ligaments, to activities such as dancing and running that put stress on the feet, and to pressure from being overweight or from poorly fitting shoes. For example, the long ligament on the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia) can become stressed or tight and pull on the heel, causing the ligament to become inflamed. This problem is called plantar fasciitis. As the bone tries to mend itself, a bone spur can form on the bottom of the heel. This causes a "heel spur". Pressure at the back of the heel from frequently wearing shoes that are too tight can cause a bone spur on the back of the heel. This is sometimes called a "pump bump" because it is often seen in women who wear high heels. Hallux rigidus is the medical name for a common problem of the big toe arthritis. The joint at the base of the big toe is called the metatarophalangeal joint, or MTP joint. This is the junction of the long bone of the forefoot, and the small bone of the big toe. Because of the mechanics of our feet, this joint is particularly prone to developing arthritis. Hallux rigidus, or big toe arthritis, is the most common site of arthritis in the foot. A bone spur in the big toe is what causes the rigidness of the toe joint. The most common symptom is pain around the base of the big toe. This pain is made worse with activity, especially running or jumping. Often wearing firm soled shoes that prevent motion at the base of the big toe will help relieve symptoms. Other common symptoms include swelling at the base of the big toe, a lump next to this joint due to bone spur formation, and calluses from the abnormal shape of the toe. Another problem that is a cause of foot pain and possibly bone spurs is plantar fasciitis. This is an inflammation (irritation and swelling with presence of extra immune cells) of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot that causes heel pain and disability.The plantar fascia is a very thick band of tissue that covers the bones on the bottom of the foot. This fascia can become inflamed and painful in some people, making walking more difficult.Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include foot arch problems (both flat foot and high arches), obesity, sudden weight gain, running, and a tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel). A typical patient is an active man aged 40-70.This condition is one of the most common orthopedic complaints relating to the foot.Plantar fasciitis is commonly thought of as being caused by a heel spur, but research has found that this is not the case. On X-ray, heel spurs are seen commonly both in people with and without plantar fasciitis.The most common complaint is pain in the bottom of the heel, usually worst in the morning and improving throughout the day. By the end of the day the pain may be replaced by a dull aching that improves with rest. For all types of foot pain where bone spurs are involved, a physician will test the mobility of the joint, usually comparing it to the opposite foot to see how much motion is lost at the joint. X-Rays are done to determine if the joint cartilage is worn away, and to see if bone spurs have formed in this area. Determining the extent of the arthritis will help guide treatments.
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