Calcaneal spur syndrome

　　Due to excessive traction of the periosteum at the attachment of the plantar fascia to the calcaneus. Excessive traction causes pain at the inner margin of the plantar fascia (plantar fasciitis), which is caused by the impact of external force on the muscles of the sole or prolonged walking, leading to local muscle fatigue and local fascia inflammation, manifested as local pain, which is most severe when walking. The most common symptom is pain and discomfort in the heel, with the tender point often near the heel of the sole, sometimes with severe tenderness and persistent pain. The lesions that cause tension of the plantar fascia include flat feet and calcaneal tendinitis.

　　The protruding bone spurs can compress blood vessels and nerves, leading to severe pain in the foot, difficulty in walking, and even paralysis. Osteoarthritis has become one of the difficult diseases affecting the quality of life of the elderly. After a period of asymptomatic period, or due to local trauma, osteophytes can spontaneously produce pain. Occasionally, an exogenous bursa may form locally, causing inflammation (calcaneal bursitis), leading to fever and jumping pain at the bottom of the heel.

　　Due to the traction of the plantar fascia on the periosteum, the calcaneal osteophytes can cause pain in the early stage of formation. Although the osteophytes are very small at this time, even X-ray examination cannot detect them. As the osteophytes grow larger, the pain often disappears, which may be related to the adaptive changes of the foot. Therefore, typical osteophytes can be seen on X-rays without symptoms. Conversely, after a period of asymptomatic period, or due to local trauma, osteophytes can spontaneously produce pain. Occasionally, an exogenous bursa may form locally, causing inflammation (calcaneal bursitis), leading to fever and jumping pain at the bottom of the heel.

　　During physical examination, pressing the central part of the heel with the thumb can worsen the pain. When the ankle is dorsiflexed, pressing the entire inner edge of the fascia with the fingers can prove the presence of fasciitis if there is tenderness.

　　Although bone spurs can be diagnosed on X-rays, early calcaneal osteophyte X-rays may show negative results. It is not uncommon for calcaneal osteophytes to appear atypical on X-rays, showing the image of绒毛状new bone formation. When this change is seen, it should be considered that there may be seronegative or HLA-B27 joint disease (such as ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome). Rheumatoid arthritis and gout are other causes of heel pain. These joint pains often have moderate to severe fever and swelling, which can be distinguished from heel pain caused by local factors.

　　1. Choose appropriate shoes:For young people, it is best to wear as few high-heeled shoes as possible, or not wear them at all, because high heels increase the burden on the foot, causing the plantar fascia at the sole of the foot to become tense, increasing tension and easily triggering or promoting the formation of bone spurs. For the elderly, it is advisable to choose soft-bottomed, loose shoes to reduce friction between the sole of the foot and the shoe.

　　2. Use thick, soft insoles:Thick, soft insoles can cushion the friction between the foot and the shoe, reducing pain. For those with significant bone spurs on the heel, to reduce pain, part of the thick insole can be hollowed out to prevent the bone spurs from directly contacting the sole of the shoe.

　　3. Reduce intense activities of the foot:Intense activities of the foot, such as jumping and running, are factors that can trigger heel pain. Therefore, those who do not exercise frequently and those who engage in more intense activities should gradually increase their foot flexion exercises. Plantar flexion involves moving the toes towards the sole of the foot, causing the skin on the top of the foot to tense. A typical plantar flexion movement is the performance posture of ballet dancers standing on their toes. When plantar flexion occurs, the plantar fascia is relaxed, reducing tension, which can alleviate the stimulation and injury caused by "osteophytes" to surrounding tissues, and is conducive to the regression of aseptic inflammation, thus preventing and reducing pain. However, the aforementioned methods only play a preventive and alleviating role in pain. To treat the root cause, it is necessary to use "Kang'er Tie" and the internal medicine series of "Gubing" herbal formulas.

　　1. During physical examination, pressing the central part of the heel with the thumb can exacerbate pain. When the ankle is dorsiflexed, pressing the entire inner edge of the fascia with the fingers can indicate the presence of fasciitis if there is tenderness.

　　2. Although the presence of osteophytes can be diagnosed on X-rays, early calcaneal osteophyte X-ray examination can show negative results. It is not uncommon for calcaneal osteophytes to be atypical on X-rays, showing the image of villous new bone formation.

　　1. What foods are good for the body with calcaneal spur syndrome

　　A reasonable combination, dietary precautions for osteophytes should not be monodiet. Eat in moderation, do not overeat or undereat. Quit smoking and alcohol. Increase the intake of calcium, eat high-calcium foods such as milk, eggs, soy products, vegetables, and fruits, and supplement calcium if necessary. Dietary precautions for osteophytes also require an increase in the intake of various vitamins, such as vitamins A and D.

　　2. What foods should be avoided for calcaneal spur syndrome

　　Do not eat any citrus fruits, especially oranges and tangerines, as dietary precautions for osteophytes. Also avoid sugar, alcohol, and coffee. These substances will hinder the recovery process and disrupt the balance of minerals in the body.

　　(The above information is for reference only, please consult a doctor for details.)

　　Calf muscle elasticity and stretching exercises and night splints are usually effective in relieving pain and should be encouraged. Applying adhesive bandages (similar to braces) can reduce the tension of the plantar fascia and the traction pain of the periosteum, and taking oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is the first choice. Local anesthetic injections into the heel are usually effective. When accompanied by inflammatory symptoms and signs, such as mild fever, swelling, and a history of jumping pain (calcaneal bursitis), the injection of insoluble and soluble steroid mixtures can control the symptoms, and the injection needle is inserted vertically from the inside of the heel and then turned towards the pain point in the center of the heel.