Home Remedies For Heel Spur - Treat This Problem Naturally

The term heel spur denotes a hook-like bony growth on the inferior side of the heel bone or calcaneus. It is often related to the inflammation of plantar fascia, a soft tissue structure that joint heel bone to the toe. This condition, known as plantar fasciitis, is frequently seen in sports persons, obese people, and pregnant women. Some other underlying medical diseases, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disorders, and poor blood circulation can also lead to the formation of spurs on the heel bone. It has been noted that heel spurs occur more commonly in people who are above 40 years old. The symptoms of this condition include a stabbing heel pain, inflammation of the heel, tenderness, and immobility.

Actually, it is not painful and the pain associated with this is typically caused by the inflammation of tendons and tissues around the spur. An important feature of heel spur pain is that it gets better when you move around and becomes worse when you start to walk after sitting down for a while. You may also have a sharp heel pain when you first start to walk in the morning. Conservative treatment for heel spur typically includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, exercises, shoe inserts, and night splints. It may be of interest to know that this abnormal bony growth can be effectively and simply treated with a number of home remedies for heel spur.

Apple cider vinegar is an effective home remedy. Dip a cotton towel or cotton bandage in apple cider vinegar, fold it up and place it on your heel. Secure the towel or bandage in place with tape. Wear it regularly for a few days. Make a mixture of apple cider vinegar, molasses, and baking soda and rub it on your heel spur. Applying ice to the heel and massaging the area with coconut oil are also good home remedies. A best way to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with this bony growth is to immerse your feet in a warm bath of Epsom salts.

The inflammation caused by the heel spur can be relieved by placing a flaxseed heat pack over the affected area. Performing some stretching exercises like rolling a tennis or golf ball under your feet is also helpful to lessen the inflammation. Apply heat to your heel for 20 minutes two times daily with a heat pack. Cabbage leaves can also help you get rid of the heel spur pain. Place fresh green cabbage leaves over you heel and leave it on there for sometime. The pain and inflammation can also be eased by soaking your feet in chlorinated water.

If you are overweight, try to reduce your weight to reduce the pressure on your heels. Other effective home remedies for heel spur include staying away from high heels, wearing shoes that have motion control, using heel cradles or cups, and avoiding barefoot walking. Wearing a foot splint at night may help ease the morning heel pain. Also, try to stretch your calf muscles before you take your first steps in the morning.

Read more Home Remedies for Heel Spur. Also know useful Home Remedies for Heartburn.

Home Remedies On Heel Spur - Treat Abnormal Extension Of The Bone

Heel spur is the abnormal extension of the bone in the heel, which is pin like in appearance and causes immense discomfort and pain due to swelling. People with active lifestyles and those from the sports field are likely to have pain in their heels. Lack of calcium in the body is a major cause of heel spur, as it causes the bone to leach calcium. Women who are used to wear high-heeled footwear are more likely to have this problem as the entire weight of the body is exerted on the heel bone. Obesity, rheumatoid, ill-fitting shoes and aging are other reasons for heel spur.

One might experience pain when he/she gets down from the bed in the morning, and might have difficulty in moving around. Walking short distances becomes an ordeal, and walking on uneven surfaces causes immense pain. At times, the pain is so unbearable that it makes the person’s life extremely miserable. Sometimes people do not get to know the cause of the problem till they get an x-ray done for their feet.

It is not necessary to undergo surgery for the removal of the extension in the bone, as there are several aids and treatments to provide comfort.

There are simple and easy home remedies on Heel Spur, which give relief over time. Certain exercises like rolling a ball or bottle under one's feet tend to give relief after a few days.

Consuming foods rich in calcium or consuming calcium tablets directly is also beneficial, as this prevents leaching. Alfa alfa tea if consumed daily, provides immense relief too.

Massaging the heels with coconut oil is also beneficial. Coconut tablets are also available in the market for frequent consumption.

Alternate heat and cold therapy is one of the most effective home remedies on heel spur. One can soak his feet in warm water (with about a tablespoon of salt mixed in it) for 2-3 minutes, and then immediately soak them in cold water for 2-3 minutes. This process is repeated for 5-6 times ending with warm water. It can be done twice a day, and the results are visible within 3-4 days, when the pain begins to subside, as the blood vessels open and the blood circulation improves.

Just soaking the feet in salted water for 15-20 minutes too relaxes the feet muscles, if one does not have much time in hand for the alternate therapy.

Applying flaxseed pack on the heel is also one of the few useful home remedies on heel spur.

Obese people can also concentrate at reducing their weight and lessen their misery.

Old shoes whose heels have worn out should not be used as they exert pressure on the heel bone. Good quality shoes are always an investment in the long run. Special shoes recommended by doctors for heels are available in the market. Customized shoe soles too are available that can be placed in the shoes, and one can walk around with these under one’s heels with great comfort.

If the pain persists even after following these home remedies, immediate medical assistance is advised.

Read more Home Remedies for Heel Spur. Also know effective Home Remedies for Arthritis.