Treating Heel Spurs Naturally

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs (bone spurs) are bony growths that form on normal bone and can occur on the underside or back of the heel. They are normally smooth and flat and rarely cause pain on their own. However, they can cause pain if they rub or press on other bones, tendons, ligaments, or nerves.

Heel spurs are commonly seen in middle-aged individuals because of the aging process. Repeated stress on the heel (such as excessive walking, running, or jumping) can put one at risk of developing heel spurs. People who play volleyball, tennis, or perform exercises (like step aerobics) often suffer from this condition. Other causes of heel spurs include obesity or excess weight, pregnancy, diabetes, flat feet, and wearing shoes that are tight with a high heel.

Treating Heel Spurs Naturally

Wear proper-fitting shoes and avoid or limit wearing high heels. To get relief from heel spurs, you can place a felt pad or foam in the heels of your shoes or buy insoles designed to raise the arches of the feet.

If exercise-related, consider changing your foot-ware, environment, or exercise routine. Buy new shoes when you notice signs of wear and tear.

Perform daily exercises that help stretch the Achilles tendons. Pick up marbles with your toes or plant the soles of your feet firmly on the ground and lift your toes.

Alternate hot and cold compresses to relieve inflammation and decrease pain.

Herbs

Ginger (standardized to 6% shogoals and 5-6% gingerols) and turmeric (standardized to 95% curcuminoids) have anti-inflammatory properties and can help provide relief from heel spurs.

Regularly drinking tea consisting of rose hip and horsetail herbs can help heal and repair injured tissues.

Applying a warm flaxseed pack over the affected area or soaking your foot in warm water with extracts of chamomile and arnica can help relieve pain.

Supplements

The following supplements can help when treating heel spurs naturally:

• vitamin C
• calcium
• magnesium
• glucosamine sulfate
• bromelain
• kelp.

Photo Credit

Image courtesy of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Calc_spur.jpg (in the public domain).

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