Anatomical features of plantar fasciitis in various age cohorts: Based on magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Due to the lack of further studies on the influence of age factors on plantar fasciitis, this study evaluates the characteristic observation points of magnetic resonance imaging in various age cohorts of patients with plantar fasciitis to help diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 160 cases of plantar fasciitis patients and normal subjects (who have the disease unrelated to plantar fasciitis) who have undergone an MRI examination in our institution. The two groups were separately divided into young adult subjects (36 to 44 years old), middle age adult subjects (45 to 59 years old), and older adult subjects (60 to 79 years old). Data was gathered regarding plantar fascia thickness, the coronal length of the plantar fascia at the calcaneal origin, the signal intensity of plantar fascia and surrounding structures, and the presence or absence of plantar calcaneal spurs, all of which were assessed objectively by the investigators. RESULTS: There were statistical differences in the thickness of plantar fascia between two groups of three age cohorts (Older adult patients: 0.59 ± 0.09 cm; Middle age adult patients: 0.49 ± 0.09 cm; Young adult patients: 0.47 ± 0.05 cm) (all p < 0.001). In addition, there were also statistical differences in the high signal intensity changes of the plantar fascia and surrounding soft tissues between two groups of three age cohorts (all p < 0.001). In older adult plantar fasciitis patients, with regard to plantar calcaneal spur discovery, there was a statistical difference between the two groups (Chi-square = 12.799. df = 1. p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In plantar fasciitis cases where a diagnosis is difficult, abnormalities in the soft tissue surrounding the plantar fascia in patients of low age are noteworthy. In older adult patients, the discovery of plantar calcaneal spurs with abnormal thickening of plantar fascia deserves attention, and abnormal MRI findings are more manifest. But the final diagnosis should be based on the medical history. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Why heel spurs are traction spurs after all.

It is unclear whether plantar and posterior heel spurs are truly pathological findings and whether they are stimulated by traction or compression forces. Previous histological investigations focused on either one of the two spur locations, thereby potentially overlooking common features that refer to a uniform developmental mechanism. In this study, 19 feet from 16 cadavers were X-ray scanned to preselect calcanei with either plantar or posterior spurs. Subsequently, seven plantar and posterior spurs were histologically assessed. Five spur-free Achilles tendon and three plantar fascia entheses served as controls. Plantar spurs were located either intra- or supra-fascial whereas all Achilles spurs were intra-fascial. Both spur types consistently presented a trabecular architecture without a particular pattern, fibrocartilage at the tendinous entheses and the orientation of the spur tips was in line with the course of the attached soft tissues. Spurs of both entities revealed tapered areas close to their bases with bulky tips. Achilles and plantar heel spurs seem to be non-pathological calcaneal exostoses, which are likely results of traction forces. Both spur types revealed commonalities such as their trabecular architecture or the tip direction in relation to the attached soft tissues. Morphologically, heel spurs seem poorly adapted to compressive loads.

Morphometric analysis of calcaneal (heel) spurs in ancient and modern Anatolian populations / Análisis morfométrico de los espolones calcáneos en poblaciones de Anatolia antiguas y modernas

SUMMARY: Heel spurs are the bony protrusion seen especially on the dorsal and plantar face of the calcaneus bone at the attachment site of the muscles. It was aimed herein to obtain data about the life styles, daily lives, and especially the socioeconomic structures of modern and ancient Anatolian populations by evaluating the prevalence, location, age, and gender differences of heel spurs on the calcaneus and comparing these findings between the populations. Herein, the 251 calcaneus bones of 137 skeletons, which had been previously analyzed paleodemographically and dated to the Middle Ages, and 68 calcaneus bones belonging to a modern population, whose gender was unknown but lived in Anatolia, were examined in terms of heel spurs. In the current study, the presence of dorsal, plantar, or both dorsal/plantar heel spurs on these in 251 calcaneus bones was 43.9 %, 11.1 %, and 10.3 %, respectively. The presence of dorsal, plantar, or both dorsal/plantar heel spurs was determined as 22 %, 3 %, and 1.5 %, respectively, among the 68 calcaneus bones belonging to the modern population. When a comparison was made of the current study with studies in the literature on modern and prehistoric populations, a higher prevalence of heel spurs was found in prehistoric samples than in modern populations. It is our belief that this situation may have derived from the heavy labor force, environmental, or sociocultural differences in ancient Anatolian populations, insufficiency of vital materials due to inadequate industrial conditions, and the solution of anatomical disruption. In addition, the findings determined herein will guide the development of future and industrial studies on the foot and foot structure.

RESUMEN: Los espolones del talón son la protuberancia ósea que se ve especialmente en la cara dorsal y plantar del hueso calcáneo en el sitio de inserción de los músculos. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en obtener datos sobre los estilos de vida, la vida cotidiana y, especialmente, las características socioeconómicas de las poblaciones anatolias modernas y antiguas mediante la evaluación de la prevalencia, la ubicación, la edad y las diferencias de sexo de los espolones calcáneos y comparar estos hallazgos entre los poblaciones. La muestra consistió en 251 calcáneos correspondientes a 137 esqueletos, que habían sido previamente analizados paleodemográficamente y fechados en la Edad Media; también se incluyeron 68 calcáneos pertenecientes a una población moderna de Anatolia, sin distinción de sexo. De la muestra de 251 calcáneos, se encontraron espolones calcáneos dorsales, plantares y dorsales/plantares, en el 43,9%, 11,1 % y 10,3 %, respectivamente. La presencia de espolones calcáneos dorsales, plantares y dorsales/plantares se determinó en el 22%, 3% y 1,5%, respectivamente, entre los 68 calcáneos pertenecientes a la población moderna. Cuando se realizó una comparación del estudio actual con la literatu- ra sobre poblaciones modernas y prehistóricas, se encontró una mayor prevalencia de espolones calcáneos en muestras prehistóricas que en poblaciones modernas. Creemos que esta situación puede haberse derivado a la gran fuerza de trabajo, y las diferencias ambientales o socioculturales en las antiguas poblaciones de Anatolia, la insuficiencia de materiales vitales debido a las condiciones industriales inadecuadas produjo la alteración anatómica. Además, los hallazgos aquí determinados guiarán el desarrollo de estudios futuros e industriales sobre la estructura del pie.

The Relationship between Calcaneal Spur Type and Plantar Fasciitis in Chinese Population.

Plantar heel pain is a common disease with a high incidence in different races. It significantly reduced the quality of life of patients. However, the cause of PHP is still controversial and there were varieties of physiological factors associated with PHP. The most common pathological factor in the population was plantar fasciitis. Some existing research studies had found a correlation between calcaneal spurs and plantar fasciitis, and this study had found the correlation in Chinese population. It is invaluable not only to understand the relationship between different types of plantar calcaneal spurs and plantar fasciitis but also to identify the most appropriate treatment strategies. A total of 71 patients with calcaneal spurs were chosen from the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University. All 71 patients had completed X-rays and MRI scans; then, surgeons had removed their plantar calcaneal spurs. After surgery, all patients were followed up for 12 months; their prognosis was tested by the VAS and AOFAS scores. Type II (29, 40.8%) had the highest incidence in Chinese population, followed with type I (24, 33.8%) and type III (18, 25.4%). Preoperative VAS scores showed that type II (7.72 ± 1.10) was significantly higher than the other two types (P < 0.001). Postoperative VAS scores of type II were higher than those of type I and type III (P < 0.001). Postoperative AOFAS scores of type II were the lowest (P < 0.001). Researchers had proved that type II was more likely to cause PF.

A Radiographic Study of Biomechanical Relationship between the Achilles Tendon and Plantar Fascia.

BACKGROUND: Previously, scholars have concluded that the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia were closely biomechanically related, although there is little clinical evidence of the relationship between the two. To investigate the biomechanical relationship between the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia, the author used standing lateral ankle radiographs of patients with insertional Achilles tendonitis to determine the biomechanical relationship between the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. METHODS: The author collected standing lateral ankle radiographs from patients with insertional Achilles tendonitis who accepted surgical treatment in the author's hospital from March 2009 to July 2018. According to whether there were bone spurs on the posterior side of the calcaneus, patients were divided into group A (spur present on the posterior side) and group B (spur not present on the posterior side). The positive rates of spurs on the plantar side of the calcaneus were determined in group A and group B. The chi-square test was used to compare the measurement results between the two groups. RESULTS: In group A, 13 heels were positive for calcaneal bone spurs, and the positive rate was 65.0%. In group B, 3 heels were positive for plantar calcaneal spurs, and the positive rate was 12%. Among all 16 patients with positive plantar calcaneal spurs, 13 had posterior calcaneal spurs (accounting for 81.3%), and 3 had negative results, accounting for 18.7%. There was a significant difference between the results in groups A and B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between posterior calcaneal spurs and plantar calcaneal spurs in patients with insertional Achilles tendonitis, which can be inferred as resulting from the increasing tension in the biomechanically complex relationship between the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia.

The plantar calcaneal spur: a review of anatomy, histology, etiology and key associations.

The plantar calcaneal spur (PCS) is a bony outgrowth from the calcaneal tuberosity and has been studied using various methods including cadavers, radiography, histology and surgery. However, there are currently a number of discrepancies in the literature regarding the anatomical relations, histological descriptions and clinical associations of PCS. Historically, authors have described the intrinsic muscles of the foot and/or the plantar fascia as attaching to the PCS. In this article we review the relationship between the PCS and surrounding soft tissues as well as examining the histology of the PCS. We identify a number of key associations with PCS, including age, weight, gender, arthritides, plantar fasciitis and foot position; these factors may function as risk factors in PCS formation. The etiology of these spurs is a contentious issue and it has been explained through a number of theories including the degenerative, inflammatory, traction, repetitive trauma, bone-formers and vertical compression theories. We review these and finish by looking clinically at the evidence that PCS causes heel pain.

Relationship and Classification of Plantar Heel Spurs in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis.

BACKGROUND: This study classified plantar heel spurs and their relationship to plantar fasciitis. METHODS: Patients included those with plantar fasciitis who were treated from 2012 through 2013. Plantar heel spur shape and size were assessed radiographically and correlated to function and pain before and after treatment. Function and pain were scored with the Foot and Ankle Ability Measures and a visual analog scale, respectively. This study included 109 patients with plantar fasciitis. RESULTS: The plantar heel spur shape was classified as 0/absent in 26 patients, 1/horizontal in 66 patients, 2/vertical in 4 patients, and 3/hooked in 13 patients. The plantar heel spur size was less than 5 mm in 75 patients, 5-10 mm in 28 patients, and greater than 10 mm in 6 patients. Initially, patients with any shape or size to their spur had no difference in function and pain. With treatment, patients with horizontal and hooked spurs had the greatest improvement in function and pain (P < .05). With treatment, patients with larger spurs had the greatest improvement in function and pain (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Plantar heel spurs can be classified by shape and size in patients with plantar fasciitis. Before treatment, neither the spur shape nor size significantly correlated with symptoms. After treatment, patients with larger horizontal or hooked spurs had the greatest improvement in function and pain. These findings may be important when educating patients about the role of heel spurs with plantar fasciitis and the effect of nonsurgical treatment with certain spurs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative series.

Classification of Calcaneal Spurs and Their Relationship With Plantar Fasciitis.

Calcaneal spurs, as a cause of plantar fasciitis, are currently debatable. A prospective study was performed to classify calcaneal spurs according to the findings from an investigation of the relationship between calcaneal spurs and plantar fasciitis. Thirty patients with calcaneal spurs and plantar heel pain underwent calcaneal spur removal and endoscopic plantar fasciotomy. The relationship between the classification of calcaneal spurs and plantar fasciitis was evaluated by endoscopic findings, clinical symptoms, radiographic images, and biopsy findings. The visual analog scale for pain and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scores for functional evaluation were used preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 24 months. Two separate types of calcaneal spurs were recognized. Type A calcaneal spurs were located superior to the plantar fascia insertion, and type B calcaneal spurs were located within the plantar fascia. Magnetic resonance imaging results showed a more severe plantar fasciitis grade in type B calcaneal spurs preoperatively. Histologic examination showed that the numbers of granulocytes per image in type B spurs were significantly increased compared with those in type A spurs. Statistically significant improvements were found in the mean visual analog scale and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores and magnetic resonance imaging results in both groups. The amount of change in the visual analog scale score and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score, the number of granulocytes per image, and calcaneal spur length showed a high association with the classification of the calcaneal spurs. Calcaneal spurs were completely removed and did not recur in any of the patients on radiographic assessment during the follow-up period. Calcaneal spurs can be classified into 2 distinct types that are indicative of the severity of plantar fasciitis.

Diagnosis of hyperostosis of the medial calcaneal tubercle similar to a heel spur.

Calcaneal osteochondromas are rare conditions. To our knowledge, we present the first report of a calcaneal osteochondroma in an adolescent patient that was surprisingly similar to a heel spur, and, in addition, symptoms due to compression of the medial plantar nerve were present.

Calcaneal spurs: examining etiology using prehistoric skeletal remains to understand present day heel pain.

BACKGROUND: Calcanei are the most common sites for bony spurs. Although calcaneal enthesophytes have been extensively researched, many unknowns remain. Whether biological factors, such as age, weight and genetics, play a greater role in calcaneal spur etiology than activity is still unknown. OBJECTIVES: The current study examines 121 adults from a prehistoric hunter-gatherer population to aid in understanding bony spur etiology. METHODS: Calcaneal spurs are scored as present or absent on the dorsal or plantar side; they are analyzed in regards to their relationships with age, sex, osteoarthritis, cortical index, femoral head breadth and muscle markers. RESULTS: Dorsal and plantar spurs frequencies increase with age (chi-squares=16.90, 7.268, Ps<0.05, respectively). Dorsal spurs were more frequent than plantar spurs (chi-square=38.000; P<0.0001). There is a positive relationship with calcaneal spurs and upper limb and lower limb osteoarthritis (chi-squares=5.587, 7.640, Ps<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The data presented support that dorsal spurs are in part the result of activities, but plantar spurs may be a more modern phenomena resulting from long periods of standing and excess weight.

Effects of extracorporal shock wave therapy on symptomatic heel spurs: a correlation between clinical outcome and radiologic changes.

Plantar heel pain, a chronic and disabling foot alignment, occurs in the adult population. Extracorporal shock wave therapy (ESWT) offers a nonsurgical option in addition to stretching exercises, heel cups, NSAI, and corticosteroid injections. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ESWT on calcaneal bone spurs and the correlation between clinical outcomes and radiologic changes. The study involved 108 patients with heel pain and radiologically diagnosed heel spurs. All patients underwent ESWT once a week for 5 weeks at the clinic. Each patient received 2,000 impulses of shock waves, starting with 0.05 mJ/mm2 (1.8 bar) and increasing to 0.4 mJ/mm2 (4.0 bar). Standard radiographies of the affected heels were obtained before and after the therapy. Clinical results demonstrated excellent (no pain) in 66.7% of the cases, good (50% of pain reduced) in 15.7% of the cases, and unsatisfactory (no reduction in pain) in 17.6%. After five ESWT treatments, no patients who received shock wave applications had significant spur reductions, but 19 patients (17.6%) had a decrease in the angle of the spur, 23 patients (21.3%) had a decrease in the dimensions of the spur, and one patient had a broken spur. Therefore, results showed no correlation between clinical outcome and radiologic changes. The present study supports the finding that even with no radiologic change after ESWT therapy, the therapy produces significant effects in reducing patients' complaints about heel spurs.

A comprehensive regression tree to estimate body weight from the skeleton.

The purpose of this research is to estimate actual body weight (in particular obesity) from the human skeleton. Known individuals (total n=187) were studied from the Bass Collection from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This research combines bone density, cross-sectional geometry of the femur and skeletal pathologies. Bone mineral density was calculated for the proximal femur. Three-dimensional bone surface models were created from computed tomographic scans. Cross-sectional geometry of the femur was calculated at five locations along the diaphysis. The pathologies analyzed were heel spurs, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), and tibial osteoarthritis. The best regression tree model included only four variables. The first split to estimate body weight was the minimum moment of inertia (I(y) ) at the distal femur, the second was midshaft width, then anteroposterior thickness at the proximal slice and the final split was the degree of DISH (SD 17.1-31.0 kg). The ability to estimate body weight from the skeleton is one more useful tool for the osteologist.

Tratamiento ortopodológico en un caso de fascitis plantar y lipoma en el pie / No disponible

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo exponer un caso clínico en el que la paciente presenta fascitis y lipomas plantares con su posterior tratamiento. Se realiza una revisión bibliográfica, haciendo un recordatorio anatómico, funcional y patológico de la aponeurosis plantar. Por otro lado se analizan las características más importantes del lipoma y sus distintos tratamientos. Hay gran variedad de tratamientos para la fascitis plantar pero con la experiencia clínica obtenida, se considera eficaz realizar un tratamiento ortopodológico. Gracias a la incorporación de un soporte plantar se produce un reequilibrio de fuerzas en el pie y esto conlleva una relajación de dicha aponeurosis plantar(AU)

The aim of this work is to present a clinical case of a patient who suffered from plantar fasciitis and plantar lipomas and its treatment. On the one hand, a literature review has been made in order to revise the anatomy, functionality and pathology of the plantar aponeurosis. On the other hand, the most important lipoma features and its different treatments are analysed. There is a wide range of treatments for the plantar fasciitis, but according to our experience, custommade orthoses have been proven to be effectively enough. Due to the custom-made orthoses, the feet experience a rebalancing force that leads to a relaxation of the plantar aponeurosis(AU)

[Study of the morphology of heel spur and clinical significance: base on three-dimensional computed tomography].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the characteristic morphology of heel spur, and to investigate the relationship of heel spur and plantar heel pain. METHODS: From June 2005 to April 2009, 210 cases (254 feet) with heel spur (according to Denis Pain Scale) were divided into cases group 1 (P2, n = 46), 2 (P3, n = 44), 3 (P4, n = 42), 4 (P5, n = 36) and controls group (P1, n = 42). Three-dimensional reconstruction of heel spur was performed in all groups using volume rendering based on multi-slice CT data by Super Image orthopedics edition 1.0. The characteristic morphology of heel spur was observed and the data were measured and analyzed, involving the width of basilar part, the length, the angle between heel spur and planta pedis, and the angle between the longitudinal axis of calcaneus and heel spur. RESULTS: Parts of cases groups displayed coarse arcuate edge and undersurface with one or more little heel spurs adhere to heel spur, of which the numbers were greater than controls group, especially in cases group 4. No significant difference of the width of basilar part of heel spur was found among 5 groups (F = 2.32, P > 0.05). However, obvious difference was found in the length, the angle between heel spur and planta pedis, and the angle between the longitudinal axis of calcaneus and heel spur (F = 8.23, 6.82, 5.87, P < 0.05). Compared with the controls group, the angle between heel spur and planta pedis of cases groups had higher degrees, but the difference of the other data presented irregular. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristic morphology of heel spur varies in patients associated with plantar heel pain. No correlation is found between the severity and the morphological data, including the width of basilar part, the length, the angle between heel spur and planta pedis, and the angle between the longitudinal axis of calcaneus and heel spur.

Plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spur formation are associated with abductor digiti minimi atrophy on MRI of the foot.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of atrophy of the abductor digiti minimi muscle (ADMA), an MRI manifestation of chronic compression of the inferior calcaneal nerve suggesting the clinical diagnosis of Baxter's neuropathy, with MRI markers of potential etiologies, including calcaneal spur formation, plantar fasciitis, calcaneal edema, Achilles tendinosis and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prevalence of calcaneal spur formation, plantar fasciitis, calcaneal edema, Achilles tendinosis and PTTD was assessed retrospectively on 100 MRI studies with ADMA and 100 MRI studies without ADMA. Patients ranged in age from 10-92 years. Pearson chi-square analyses and Fisher's exact test were used to compare prevalence of the above findings in patients with and without ADMA. Logistic regression was used to determine which variables were significantly associated with ADMA. RESULTS: Among patients with ADMA, there was significantly greater age (57.2 years vs 40.8 years, p<0.001), presence of Achilles tendinosis (22.0% vs 3.0%, P<0.001), calcaneal edema (15.0% vs 3.0%, P=0.005), calcaneal spur (48.0% vs 7.0%, P<0.001), plantar fasciitis (52.5% vs 11.0%, P<0.001), and PTTD (32.0% vs 11.0%, P<0.001). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, only age [odds ratio (OR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 1.09], calcaneal spur (OR 3.60, 95% CI 1.28, 10.17), and plantar fasciitis (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.31, 8.56) remained significant. CONCLUSION: Advancing age, calcaneal spur, and plantar fasciitis are significantly associated with ADMA. Their high odds ratios support the notion of a possible etiologic role for calcaneal spur and plantar fasciitis in the progression to Baxter's neuropathy.

Anatomic relationship of heel spur to surrounding soft tissues: greater variability than previously reported.

The stimulating factor for the development of heel spur (calcaneal exostosis) is controversial. In a sample of elderly cadaveric specimens, using radiographic, gross morphological, and histological investigation, we demonstrate that heel spurs are generally not found in the trajectory of traction from the plantar aponeurosis enthesis or plantar muscles. Rather, they are variably associated with soft tissues including loose connective tissue, fibrocartilage, muscle, and aponeurosis. Furthermore, the bony trabeculae of the spur are not aligned in the direction of soft tissue traction, but rather in the direction of stress on the calcaneus during walking and standing. These results substantiate the view that the heel spur may be a skeletal response to stress and may serve to protect the bone against the development of microfractures.

Endoscopic calcaneoplasty (ECP) as a surgical treatment of Haglund's syndrome.

Posterior calcaneal exostosis treatment modalities showed many controversial opinions. After failure of the conservative treatment, surgical bursectomy and resection of the calcaneal exostosis are indicated by many authors. But clinical studies also show a high rate of unsatisfactory results with a relative high incidence of complications. The minimal surgical invasive technique by an endoscopic calcaneoplasty (ECP) could be an option to overcome some of these problems. We operated on 81 patients with an age range between 25 and 55 years, 40 males and 41 females. The radiologic examination prior to surgery documented in all cases a posterior superior calcaneal exostosis that showed friction to the Achilles tendon. All patients included in the study had neither clinical varus of the hind foot nor cavus deformities. All patients had undergone a trial of conservative treatment for at least 6 months and did not show a positive response. The average follow-up was 35.3 months (12-72). According to the Ogilvie-Harris-Score, 34 patients presented good and 41 patients excellent results, while three patients showed fair results, and three patients only poor results. All the post-operative radiographs showed sufficient resection of the calcaneal spur. Only minor postoperative complications were observed. ECP is an effective and of minimal-invasive procedure for the treatment of patients with calcaneal exostosis. After a short learning curve, the endoscopic exposure is superior to the open technique has less morbidity, less operating time, and nearly no complications; moreover, the pathology can better be differentiated.

Síndrome de Haglund / Haglund syndrome

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Heel spur formation and the subcalcaneal enthesis of the plantar fascia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the structure and significance of subcalcaneal heel spurs associated with the plantar fascia. METHODS: The enthesis of the plantar fascia was removed from 17 elderly cadavers by sagittal saw cuts either side of the medial tuberosity, radiographs were taken, and the tissue was processed for routine histology. Sagittal sections were stained with toluidine blue, Masson's trichrome, or alcian blue, and sections were matched with the corresponding radiographs. RESULTS: Spurs develop on the deep surface of the plantar fascia but their formation is heralded by degenerative changes that occur within it. According to differences between small and large spurs, we propose that there are 3 stages in their development: (1) an initial formation of cartilage cell clusters and fissures at the plantar fascia enthesis; (2) thickening of the subchondral bone plate at the enthesis as small spurs form; (3) development of vertically oriented trabeculae buttressing the proximal end of larger spurs. The spurs grow by a combination of intramembranous and chondroidal ossification. CONCLUSION: Contrary to popular belief, subcalcaneal heel spurs cannot be traction spurs as they do not develop within the plantar fascia itself. They are thus fundamentally different from heel spurs in the Achilles tendon. We suggest instead that they develop as a consequence of degenerative changes that occur in the plantar fascia enthesis.