Achilles Tendon Pain | Achilles Bone Spur

Achilles Tendon

Achilles Bone Spur

If a normal bone grows an extra piece of bone, it is called a bone spur or osteophyte. Bone spurs are usually smooth and can exist for years without ever causing any symptoms. In these cases, no treatment is required. However, they can also rub on nearby tissues, nerves and muscles and cause pain and swelling. If a bone spur forms near or within the Achilles tendon, it can interfere with running and walking and cause pain with various movements. If symptoms interfere with activities, conservative care such as orthotics or physical therapy may help resolve the pain. If pain continues, removal of the bone spur and repair of the damaged Achilles tendon region may be necessary.

Clinical picture of posterior calcaneal heel spur

When conservative measures fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be necessary. After the symptoms become chronic, it may be necessary to remove the bone spur and then reattach the Achilles tendon. The advent of advanced tendon repair anchors has allowed a more rapid recovery from such surgeries with limited down time. The tendon repair portion of the surgery is the most important portion for proper patient outcome and satisfaction. After a 4 week period, physical therapy may be required with improved outcomes noted through strengthening and stability exercises.


Severe posterior calcaneal heel spur	Mild large posterior calcaneal heel spur

In the initial phase, the surgical procedure consists of partial detachment of the Achilles tendon and removal of the spur formation. The tendon is then reattached to the heel bone by use of a soft tissue bone anchor where the tendon is tied directly to the bone. Due to the relatively strong repair of the Achilles tendon weight bearing is usually allowed at about 3 weeks and the recovery period has been reduced from 6 months to about 8 weeks.

University Foot and Ankle Institute is proud to have been invovled in the research and design process of the best used anchor system for Achilles repair. This advancement has allowed better repairs and a more rapid recovery and return to activity.