What is the Difference Between Heel Spur and Bone Spur?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Heel spurs and bone spurs are both bony growths that develop in different parts of the body, but they have distinct characteristics and causes.
Heel Spur:
- A heel spur is a calcium deposit on the calcaneus, or heel bone.
- It is usually not a spiky protrusion but a smooth outgrowth that develops over a long period.
- Heel spurs are often caused by bruising or damage to the heel bone, leading to the formation of a calcium deposit past the edge of the bone.
- Heel spurs are related to plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes.
- In some cases, heel spurs form as a result of plantar fasciitis, as the body creates a heel spur to provide additional support for the heel.
Bone Spur:
- A bone spur is a growth point off the edge of a bone.
- Bone spurs typically develop near joints, where two or more bones meet.
- They are fairly common as we age and may not cause any symptoms.
- Bone spurs can lead to pain and loss of motion in joints if they restrict movement or cause inflammation.
In summary, the main difference between a heel spur and a bone spur is that a heel spur is a calcium deposit on the heel bone, while a bone spur is a growth point off the edge of a bone. Heel spurs are often related to plantar fasciitis, while bone spurs can develop in various locations in the body and may cause pain or limited movement if they restrict joint mobility.
Comparative Table: Heel Spur vs Bone Spur
Heel spur and bone spur are two different conditions that can cause pain and discomfort in the foot. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two:
Condition | Description | Causes | Symptoms |
---|---|---|---|
Heel Spur | A calcium deposit (bone growth) on the calcaneus or heel bone | Bone's response to stress, straining foot muscles and ligaments, over-stretching the plantar fascia | Pain after exercise or activity, increased pain at the bottom of the heel |
Bone Spur | Bony growths formed in response to inflammation, often developing near joints where two or more bones meet | Age-related changes in bones, repetitive motion, and stress on joints | Pain, loss of motion in joints, depending on the location of the bone spur |
Heel spurs are specifically located on the underside of the heel bone, while bone spurs can develop on almost any bone, including the heel. Heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition involving inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Bone spurs, on the other hand, are common and can develop in response to inflammation, repetitive motion, and stress on joints.
- Heel Spurs vs Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs vs Plantar Fasciitis
- Heel vs Heal
- Heels vs Stilettos
- Shin Splint vs Stress Fracture
- Tarsal vs Metatarsal
- Achilles Tendonitis vs Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone vs Cartilage
- Podiatrist vs Orthopedic Surgeon
- Hammer Toe vs Mallet Toe
- Pelvis vs Hip
- Tarsal vs Carpal Bones
- Bunion vs Corn
- Condyle vs Epicondyle
- Plantar Fasciitis vs Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Spondylosis vs Spondylolisthesis
- Tibia vs Fibula
- High heels vs Pumps
- Osteophytes vs Syndesmophytes