RESUMO
This retrospective study of 84 patients with pain under the heel, with or without a spur (the calcaneal heel spur syndrome) seen from October, 1989 in Barbados. The purpose was to assess the short and long-term results of conservative treatment. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 8 years (mean = 4 years), and information was obtained by questionnaire (64/84 patients) and telephone. Most patients were middle-aged females, and duration of symptoms ranged from 2 weeks to 5 years. Calcaneal spurs were seen on X-rays in 64 (76 per cent) patients. Treatment was by infiltration of synthetic hydrocortisone preparation and local anaesthetic, surgery was not performed on any patient. Of 64 patients on whom follow-up data were availabe, 57 (89 per cent) were cured of their symptoms, and 7 admitted to having pain of varying severity. It is concluded that this syndrome is a self-limiting condition which usually responds to conservative treatment. Cases of chronic, persistent pain not responding to conservative treatment should be investigated for other causes (AU)
