When a foot is exposed to constant stress, calcium deposits build up on the bottom of the heel bone.

A posterior calcaneal spur is often large and palpable through the skin and may need to be removed as part of the treatment of insertional Achilles tendonitis.

[3] Major symptoms consist of pain in the region surrounding the spur, which typically increases in intensity after prolonged periods of rest.

[2] People who are obese, have flat feet, or who often wear high-heeled shoes are most susceptible to heel spurs.

[5] Flat feet can potentially be attributed to the minimal amount of ankle dorsiflexion during stance phase of the gait cycle causing more tension on the plantar fascia.

Strong muscles in the calves and lower legs will help take the stress off the bone and prevent heel spurs.