Remedies for Heel Spurs | Fort Worth Podiatrist

Overview

A heel spur is a painful condition that occurs due to inflammation in the plantar fascia tissue in the bottom of the foot. The inflammation causes a protrusion of bone from the heel bone to develop. A heel spur causes the foot and heel to swell and become painful. The pain is strongest upon first awakening in the morning and diminishes as the day progresses, notes Natural Home Remedies. Patients can try a variety of approaches to managing heel spurs. Naturopathic remedies are part of a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Patients should consult a physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home, however.

Rest the Heel

Resting the heel is a required part of heel spur treatment. Taking a break from running, long walks or other activities that pound the heel against a hard surface will help the heel spur pain to dissipate, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar may reduce the pain of a heel spur. Apple cider vinegar works to pull out excessive calcium from the area of a heel spur. It is a natural treatment for a heel spur, notes Foot-Care.org. Patients can apply it by soaking cotton balls in the vinegar and dabbing it on the heel area or by cutting out a piece of paper or towel in the shape of the foot and submerging it in apple cider vinegar. Patients then place the paper or towel in their shoes, rotating it between all the shoes that they wear for five days, notes Natural Home Remedies. Patients should keep the towel or paper with the apple cider vinegar moist, reapplying the vinegar as needed throughout the day.The foot with the heel spur can also be soaked in a tub of cool or warm apple cider vinegar to treat the heel spur. Patients should consult a doctor before using naturopathic remedies at home.

Stretch the Heel

Patients who seek medical treatment for a heel spur may receive instructions for stretches that they can do to help eliminate the pain from the heel spur, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Regularly performing the recommended stretches helps the heel stay loose.

Ice Pack

Patients can wrap ice packs in a dish towel and place them on the heel spur. The cool temperature of the ice reduces swelling and pain in the area of the heel spur.

Turmeric Powder

Turmeric creates the yellow color in curry. It is a natural treatment for inflammation and pain. Taking 500 mg of turmeric powder first thing in the morning, before eating, may help to reduce the inflammation of a heel spur, according to Natural Home Remedies. A compound called curcumin in the turmeric may help ease the pain of the heel spur. Patients can also add turmeric powder to foods to reduce the pain from a heel spur. Please consult a doctor before using naturopathic remedies at home.

Heel Insert

Using heel pad inserts in the shoe as recommended by a doctor will also help remedy pain from a heel spur, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Patients should ask their doctors how long they should wear the heel pad insert to treat their specific condition.