A heel spur can indeed be seen on an X-ray. A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the bottom of the heel bone (calcaneus). It is often associated with plantar fasciitis, a common condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.
When an X-ray is taken, it can reveal the presence of a heel spur as a small, pointed protrusion of bone extending from the bottom of the calcaneus. The size and shape of the spur can vary, ranging from a few millimeters to a centimeter or more. The X-ray image can provide valuable information about the location, size, and orientation of the spur, which can help healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating the condition.
However, it is important to note that having a heel spur does not necessarily mean that you will experience pain or other symptoms. In fact, many people have heel spurs without ever knowing it because they are asymptomatic. On the other hand, some individuals with heel spurs may experience significant pain and discomfort, particularly when walking or standing for long periods.
It is estimated that about 70% of people with plantar fasciitis have a heel spur visible on an X-ray. This association between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs has led some to believe that the presence of a spur is the cause of the pain. However, it is now understood that the spur itself is not typically the primary source of pain. Instead, it is the inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia that lead to the symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis.
It is worth mentioning that heel spurs can also be seen in individuals who do not have any symptoms of plantar fasciitis or foot pain. These “incidental” spurs may be discovered during routine X-rays taken for other reasons or incidentally during the investigation of unrelated foot or ankle problems. Therefore, the presence of a heel spur on an X-ray should not automatically be assumed to be the cause of foot pain or other symptoms.
A heel spur can be seen on an X-ray as a bony growth on the bottom of the calcaneus. It is often associated with plantar fasciitis, but not all individuals with heel spurs experience pain or other symptoms. The presence of a spur on an X-ray does not necessarily indicate the cause of foot pain, as many people without symptoms may also have heel spurs.