Changes in prevalence of calcaneal spurs in men & women: a random population from a trauma clinic

Abstract

BackgroundThis study reports the changing prevalence of ankle (Achilles and plantar) spurs with age, in order to comment on their significance to rheumatologists.Methods1080 lateral ankle radiographs from each of 9 (50 men and 50 women) age cohorts from 2 to 96 years old of patients attending a trauma clinic were examined and spurs classified as small or large.ResultsThe prevalence of both Achilles and plantar spurs in relation to the age categories and sex was variable. Overall, there was 38% of the population who had a spur (Achilles or plantar) and only third (11%) with spurs at both sites (Achilles and plantar). Large spurs were more prevalent in older individuals (40 to 79 years). There were no large plantar spurs in individuals <40 years of age and only 2% for the Achilles. The prevalence of spurs (Achilles and plantar) was significantly higher for woman than men in individuals <50 years of age. There was a notable moderate positive correlation (r = 0.71) between both plantar and Achilles spurs for women <30 years of age but no correlation for men (r = -0.03).ConclusionPlantar and Achilles spurs are highly prevalent in older people and the radiographic appearance of spurs differs between men and women. In individuals < 50 years of age, spur (Achilles and plantar) formation is more common in women than in men. Additionally, there was a notable moderate positive correlation between Achilles and plantar spurs for women <30 years of age.

Incidence of calcaneal spur in Indian population with heel pain

“…Plantar spur seems to be more common than spur occurring at the insertion of achilles. 9 It is evident from the study that patients under 30 years of age do not show any presence of calcaneal spurs which could explain the spur formation to be part of a degenerative process resulting in osteophyte formation appearing in the form of bony growth. Its prevalence among women could be correlated with footwear, obesity and pregnancy resulting in excessive compressive forces acting at the calcaneum over a period of time.…”

The plantar calcaneal spur: a review of anatomy, histology, etiology and key associations

“…They proposed that this age‐dependent difference may be due to the altered foot biomechanics of wearing high‐heeled shoes (Toumi et al. ; Yung‐Hui & Wie‐Hsien, ).…”

“…In one study that broke the population down into nine age cohorts, PCS was reported to occur more commonly in women under 49 years of age than in men. They proposed that this age-dependent difference may be due to the altered foot biomechanics of wearing high-heeled shoes (Toumi et al 2014;Yung-Hui & Wie-Hsien, 2005).…”

The age dependent change in the incidence of calcaneal spur

“…An incidence rate varying between 11% and 46% was reported in the literature. 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 This rate increases in patients with advanced age, osteoarthritis and obesity. 6 , 7 , 8 …”