Heel spurs refer to tiny heel bone calcium deposits that are associated to a condition called plantar fasciitis. The pain that comes with heel spurs cannot actually be attributed to the heel spurs themselves, though, but to the plantar fascia inflammation attached to the heel.
Usually, this pain is most acute after waking up and gets extremely bad after getting up. Although loosening the fascia in a gradual manner can relieve the pain a little bit, excessive standing or walking can usually make the pain reappear. Find out some natural home remedies for heel spurs here.
Rest, Ice and Heat
One way to treat a heel spur at home is to rest the affected foot. MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, recommends resting the foot for at least one week to reduce stress and pressure on the heel. Replace running or walking for exercise with biking or swimming to relieve stress on the heel.
Part of the pain of a heel spur is the result of the inflammation surrounding it. Initially applying ice to the heel for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day can help decrease inflammation and pain. After the first few days, the ice can be replaced with moist heat for maintenance.
Comfortable Shoes and Shoe Padding
Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes that have plenty of cushioning underneath, especially when standing on hard surfaces, such as concrete or hardwood floors, for extended periods of time. According to Foot.com, buying shoes with a cushioned heel can help by absorbing more shock. Running shoes may be the most comfortable shoes for those who are on their feel for long periods.
It is vital for runners to have a running shoe that fits well and is suited to their running gait. Along with well-fitting shoes, adding a heel cushion or moleskin pad, such as those available through Dr. Scholl's, and placing it under the heel can provide additional pain relief. Avoid wearing shoes with thin soles and little arch support, as they can aggravate a heel spur.
Weight Reduction
Heel spurs occur more often in those who are over 40 and overweight. Heel spurs tend to form in women more often than men. According to FamilyDoctor.org, an information website produced by the American Academy of Family Physicians, being overweight can predispose you to forming a heel spur.
Heel spurs often occur along with plantar fasciitis, and carrying around extra weight places more pressure on the heel and plantar fascia with each step. Maintaining a healthy weight can help avoid the formation of heel spurs.
Over-The-Counter Medication
Pain from a heel spur often occurs for no apparent reason. It is worse in the morning upon rising or getting up after sitting. According to MayoClinic.com, some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help manage the pain due to the inflammation that often surrounds the heel spur.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, can alleviate some of the symptoms, but they do not treat the underlying cause of the heel spur. If the pain and discomfort from the heel spur persists over two weeks, have your physician evaluate it for further treatment.
Home Remedies for Heel Spur:
Apple Cider Vinegar: Whenever a body part experiences discomfort, it is apple cider vinegar which always lends a helping hand. In case of heel spurs too, one may find it as the most significant home remedy. You may cut a paper in the shape of heel and soak it in apple cider vinegar. You may wear this regularly for 4-5 days and find relief from heel spurs.
Orthopedic molds: These products are available in abundance in market and are quite effective in treating heel spurs. All you need to do is to place these molds under the heel in your shoes regularly and you may feel relieved from this abnormal situation.
Borax solution: Borax solution is found to be an effective home remedy for treating heel spurs. You may soak your feet regularly in this solution to feel the difference in pain and inflammation within few days.
Chlorinated water: The water containing chlorine is also helpful in taking away the pain and binging down the inflammation caused in the area.
Molasses: The mixture of molasses with apple cider vinegar and baking soda is also considered as the home remedy for external treatment of heel spurs.
Cabbage leaves: The green fresh cabbage leaves are also recommended as a useful remedy for the treatment of heel spurs at home. You may wrap these leaves around affected area and place a paper wrap around it.
Coconut oil: The massage of coconut oil, along with intake of coconut capsules, is helpful in relieving the heel from pain and discomfort.
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Ice pack: The application of ice pack around affected area is quite helpful in reducing the pain and also works on the muscles to relax them and reduce the inflammation.
Cheese cloth: The cheese cloth dipped in linseed oil is also a great home remedy for the treatment of heel spurs. You must wrap this cloth around the heel and make sure it stays there for few hours.
Curcumin: The yellow pigment of turmeric called curcumin is also helpful in treating heel spur. You may consume 500 mg of curcumin empty stomach in the early morning.
Flaxseed: Flaxseed pack must be applied regularly to the affected area to bring down the pain as well as inflammation from the heels caused by spur formation.
Calcium: The consumption of foods rich in calcium are counted as great home remedies for treatment of heel spurs.
Alfalfa tea: You may take alfalfa tea on regular basis and more than twice a day. By doing so, you may experience decrease in pain and discomfort level.
Also read about Natural Remedies for Arthritis
Relieves Joint Pain and Inflammation or read more on herbalcureindia.com
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