When a tear develops in an over-stretched ligament, heel spurs form in an attempt to provide some comfort or relief. Heel spurs are made of calcium buildup and often cause no symptoms. Sometimes they are impossible to detect altogether.

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They can occur on the back of the heel, under the heel, or beneath the sole of the foot. Heel spurs can happen alone, or they can be related to underlying conditions, such as Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis.

 

They are especially common in athletes who engage in a large amount of running and jumping.