What Does That Heel Spur Likely Mean?

September 3, 2011
Category: Blog —
Tags: achilles, bone spur, duck squatting, heel, heel cord, heel pain —
12 Comments

Hey Mwodies,

Here is a quick glimpse into the mind of the physio-coach. ”Why is this person feeling compelled to grow a bunch of extra bone on their heel?” “Maybe it’s because their body is so awesome that it’s trying to accommodate some weird, off-axis, heel cord loading..”

Do you have a bump on your heel? Is it from resting your foot at the bottom of a kayak? No? Is it from skiing in the Lange Tii from the 80′s? No? Do you walk, squat, and run like a duck? Yes? Hmmm..

Dewd. You are growing extra bone. That is NOT efficient movement. Or as my wife would say, “make a better decision”.

Kstar

12 Responses to “What Does That Heel Spur Likely Mean?”

Dave W September 3, 2011 Reply

So what exactly is causing this in the gait? Is it from the type of gait and movement? And finally is it bad per se?
THANKS!
- Kaitlin September 4, 2011 Reply
  
  Yes, it’s bad. This is forming from the compromises that are made in movement patterns. It can form in response to pressure, rubbing, or stress that continues over a period of time.
  As Kelly notes contributing factors are the tight knee, tight anterior hip, and missing ankle r.o.m. These cause the achilles to pull off axis. The ankle is collapsing and going around the lack of ankle r.o.m.
  - Daron September 9, 2011 Reply
    
    Any recs on resources to see what can be done to get rid of this? i haven’t been able to run for 8 months because of this very problem. i’m 32 and have struggled with plantar fasciitis since i’ve been 17. i have really high arches. inserts help but after awhile (especially with crossfit) it comes back.
    - Kaitlin September 9, 2011 Reply
      
      Episode 77/365: Plantar Fascitis, Episode: 185/364 Improving the Jump Mechansim+ Rant. You need to identify what is causing it to happen. I would recommend having someone video tape you running so you can see exactly what is happening. You may need to strengthen your feet.
      - Daron September 13, 2011
        
        Thanks!!!
Rasmus September 4, 2011 Reply

Mine are enormous. I’ve “always” had them
Devin September 5, 2011 Reply

I had surgery to remove heel spurs on the back and on the bottom of my right heel just a month ago. I never want to go through this again. Very long recovery. Doctors told me that It ran in my family. They couldn’t tell me why i had them. thanks for the video. Just what i needed.
Daron September 5, 2011 Reply

I have them…can anything be done to get rid of them?
Jeremy M September 5, 2011 Reply

I wondered why I was beginning to grow horns on the back of my heel.
Ernie O'Malley September 6, 2011 Reply

Hey,
very interesting. Have these horns since I can remember. I also have back pain since… ages. Can’t really remember when it started and I’m only 25…
What can be done against this (non surgically)?

Thanks!
Cal September 22, 2011 Reply

Sorry for the late comment. Was noticing pain in the heel cords lately. Lo and behold I see the beginnings of a spur on my left heel. My theory is that I miss external knee rotation on my left side because my left hip is tighter than my right.

This video is pretty short and clinical, and suggests how these spurs come about. I agree it’s pretty cool in and of itself that the body compensates in this way, but I wonder how big a warning sign this sort of thing should be considered. If a body is growing bone to accommodate poor form, it would seem like something’s got to give in the near future.