Prevalence of Calcaneal Spur in Adult Nepalese in Ankle Joint’s Radiographs in a Tertiary Hospital of Nepal

Abstract

Background

Calcaneal spur is a bony outgrowth occurring at the site of plantar fascia insertion or dorsal tendon insertion into the calcaneum and may induce heel pain or remain painless. Several studies shows it’s occurrence depends upon various factors like age, gender, occupation, footwear, ethnicity and obesity. This study aims to detect the prevalence of calcaneal spur and its types in the study population and to assess the association of spur with age, gender, profession, body mass index, and symptoms.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 572 patients from October 2024 to September 2025, following ethical approval. Data were collected after evaluation of ankle joint radiographs (lateral view), and were analysed. Mean value and standard deviation were used for descriptive statistics and categorical variables were presented as frequency and percentage. The level of signification was kept at p<0.05.The association between presence of spur and patient’s age, sex, profession, Body Mass Index, and symptoms were assessed using chi-square test.

Results

The prevalence of spur was 251 (43.90%) (39.80-48.00 at 95% CI). The most prevalent was planter spur 122 (48.60%) (39.70-57.50 at 95% CI). Among different professionals, spur was more 96 (38.20%) in housewife. Spur was common among the older patient with low height, and higher Body Mass Index.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a high overall prevalence of calcaneal spurs, plantar spurs being the common. More spurs is found in females. A significant association is observed between the presence of calcaneal spurs and demographic as well as anthropometric factors.