Heel spur is defined as a condition that
in which the unusual calcium deposit accumulates under the heel bone and form a small, spiky build-up. It is also known as osteophyte or calcaneal spur. The highest incidence for th
is condition is found in women who usually wear high heel for a long period of time, athletes, or people who perform excessive exercise.
The most obvious symptom of heel spurs is pain. It is often described as a stabbing pain, as if a knife is impaling the heel when you first put pressure on it after a long period time staying at rest. For instance, when you get out of the bed, stand up after a working day, get out of the car, etc. The pain could wors
as if a knife is impaling the heel when you first put pressure on it after a long period time staying at rest. For instance, when you get out of the bed, stand up after a working day, get out of the car, etc. The pain could worsen in vigorous-intensity activities such as running, rope jumping, hiking, and dancing. At other times, it could be a dull, mild pain. Heel spurs are often associated with Achilles tendinitis (inflammation of a tendon that holds the calf muscle to heel bone) or plantar fasciitis (inflammation of a tissue band that runs from the heel bone to the toe), both of which are painful conditions related to the foot. To distinguish these two conditions, assess the location o
f the spur. If it is at the back of the heel, it is often result from Achilles tendinitis and if it is under the heel bone, it might be plantar fasciitis.
But sometimes, heel spur causes no pain before being discovered. Heel spurs can be seen easily on an X-ray image and their size can vary around half of an inch.
Here are some effective home remedies for heel spurs.
- Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known to be the mo
st famous ingredient for natural remedies. It is made by fermenting apple or cider and it contains malic acid and acetic acid.
There is a range of different ways to apply apple cider vinegar to treat heel spurs. Soak some paper towels or gauzes in it (you can also
add the same amount of baking soda and molasses to enhance the effect), wrap them around your heel and secure it with tape or plastic bag or put them to your shoes before you start wearing shoes. It is important to keep them moist all the time. Do it daily for a week and your spurs will be gone.
Soak your feet with vinegar can be effective too. Pour the warmed vinegar into a big bowl that contains warm water and soak your feet for 15 minutes. Do it 2 times a day for a week for the best result.
Another way to use apple cider vinegar is to drink it. Put a spoon of apple cider vinegar and a spoon of honey into a cup of water and drink it with the same frequency and duration as the soaking method.
- Magnesium
Our bodies need magnesium for a variety of function. It is a very helpful mineral for people who suffer from heel spur pain because it reduces pain and inflammation.
You can use Epsom salt, which is magnesium sulfate, to soak your feet or to take a bath. Massage your feet while doing that for about 15 minutes every day until the pain and the inflammation is gone.
A diet that is rich in magnesium is also highly recommended for people having heel spur. Add dark leafy green such as spinach, chard to your meal. Other kinds of food such as almond, black bean, pumpkin seed, fatty fish and avocado are also a good source for magnesium.
- Ice treatment
As you may have known, ice pack can be used to relief pain and inflammation, especially for acute conditions. This technique is also the easiest one, just simply take an ice pack or a frozen water bottle and apply it gently on your fee
pack can be used to relief pain and inflammation, especially for acute conditions. This technique is also the easiest one, just simply take an ice pack or a frozen water bottle and apply it gently on your feet for 10 minutes. But be careful, it is easy to get frostbite if you do it wrong.
- Coconut oil
Coconut oil is made by extracting the fat from the coconut meat. It is considered as a “superfood” due to its various benefits. Use organic coconut oil as a massage oil to rub your heel daily. Taking it every morning can be effective in soothing the pain and reducing the inflammation too; the recommended amount is a tablespoon a day.
- Alfalfa tea
Alfalfa tea, a kind of herbal tea which is very beneficial for our health, can demonstrate an effective relief in pain and inflammation. It has been used since the ancient history as a traditional medicine and tonic. You should drink 2-3 cups of Alfalfa tea a day and then decrease the amount gradually once you feel better.
- Other remedies
Other alternative methods include apply flaxseed oil or linseed oil or baking soda paste to the affected heel are also recommended. Similarly to the apple cider vinegar wrap method, it should be secured with a plastic bag or duct tape. You can do it every day until the pain goes away.
