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Natural Treatment for Heel Spurs
Treatment for heel spurs
Treatment for heel spurs in western medicine is mostly palliative except for surgery for heel spurs that remove the spur from the heel bone.
Healthcare professionals prefer to perform heel spurs treatment the same way they treat plantar fasciitis. This is because the heel pain that bothers you on your heel spurs is actually caused by plantar fasciitis. Treating the symptoms of plantar fasciitis can relieve pain associated with heel spurs.
Heel spur treatment options can include:
Rest:
A lot of rest and relief for the feet can help reduce pain and swelling in the affected area. If you are running or jogging, taking a break will ease the heel pain.
Applying ice:
Ice applications can help diminish discomfort, ache, and swelling, and thus, “Icing” on the sole of the foot can help relieve pain in the heel.
The use of custom-built shoe insoles:
The donut-shaped shoe insoles go under a heel to take pressure off the heel bone.
Wearing padded athletic shoes:
Wearing footwear or insoles that support the arches and protect the plantar fascia by cushioning the bottom of the foot. These shoes can also help relieve pressure and provide pain relief.
Anti-inflammatory drugs:
The use of anti-inflammatory medications will help reduce swelling and lessen the severity of pain.
Cortisone Injections:
These will reduce swelling and pain in the affected area. They’re a stronger option when over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs aren’t effective.
Heel spur surgery:
In extraordinary cases, surgical treatment may be expected to get rid of the heel spur. However, the above treatments are usually effective and surgery is not required. A heel spur can be removed as part of plantar fasciitis surgery, but medical professionals rarely perform heel spur surgery.
Your doctor may recommend surgery when the pain in the heel spur becomes severe and continuous. This surgical approach aims at the removal of the heel spur. At times it implies freeing the plantar fascia.
Heel spur surgery not only reduces pain but is also aimed at increasing the mobility of the foot in general. The majority of patients who undergo this method of surgery also suffer from plantar fasciitis. Due to the availability of other treatment methods and therapies, heel spur surgery isn’t a common treatment option for heel spurs.
Prior to suggesting heel spur surgery, your surgeon will find out if you are a proper candidate by performing definitive imaging tests such as X-rays and ECG, as well as blood circulation tests for your foot.
It will also take some time to fully recover from heel spur surgery so that you can put weight back on your foot. The recovery process could include:
- resting the foot and using ice
- compression
- support equipment
Treatment for underlying conditions:
If a heel spur is caused by inflammatory osteoarthritis, treatments for the underlying condition can improve symptoms as well.
What is a heel spur?
A heel spur or bone spur is a bony growth that comes out of the bottom of your heel, where the heel bone connects to the ligament that connects your heel and the sole of your foot (the plantar fascia). Calcaneal spines affect about 15% of people.
Calcaneal (heel) spurs develop over time. Very often people don’t recognize they have a heel spur until they seek treatment for heel pain. Although heel spurs can be removed with surgery, healthcare providers recommend non-surgical treatments to relieve the symptoms associated with heel spurs.
A heel spur is a bony growth that can develop on the inside of a person’s foot. They are also known as heel spurs or osteophytes.
Heel spurs can be pointed, hooked, or shelf-like. The heel spur extends from the bottom of the heel to the arch (midfoot). This section of the foot is termed the plantar fascia.
On x-rays, the heel spur can be up to half an inch in length. If an X-ray cannot confirm a suspected heel spur, the doctor may call the condition “heel spur syndrome.”
Heel spur vs plantar fasciitis
Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are similar illnesses but they are not identical. Here’s how the two conditions intersect:
- Plantar fasciitis occurs when overuse stretches or tears the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs between the heel and the ball of the foot. If you have plantar fasciitis, you will likely feel intense shooting pain in your heel that comes and goes throughout the day. The pain subsides once you walk for a while, but it comes back if you sit down and then get up to walk a little more.
- Heel spurs can occur as a reaction to the stress and inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis. Over time your body responds to stress by building extra bone. This extra tissue becomes a heel spur. Most people don’t feel pain from their heel spurs, but when they do, the pain is like plantar fasciitis pain.
Having plantar fasciitis increases a person’s risk of developing heel spurs. Heel spurs usually occur in people who already have plantar fasciitis.
Up to 15 percent of reputable sources of people with foot symptoms that require medical attention have plantar fasciitis.
There are important distinctions between heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. The heel spur is a calcium deposit that forms a bony protrusion along the plantar fascia.
In contrast, plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia becomes irritated and swollen, which causes heel pain.
Doctors often describe the plantar fascia as tissue similar to a bowstring. It extends under the sole and attaches to the heel. Plantar fasciitis results from an unusual amount of force in this part of the foot.
What causes heel spurs?
A heel spur is directly caused by prolonged stretching of muscles and ligaments. Eventually, this excessive stress places stress on the calcaneus (calcaneus), causing spurs to develop.
Heel spurs develop over time. They don’t appear suddenly after a workout or sporting event. A heel spur usually occurs when you ignore early symptoms such as heel pain.
Constant stress from walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces are common causes of heel spurs. They can also develop from wearing shoes that do not support the foot.
The other causes of heel spur are:
- arthritis
- bruised heel
- overweight
- poorly fitted shoes
- gait problems
- wearing flip flops too often
- worn-out shoes
Lots of people with heel spurs also suffer from plantar fasciitis. This painful condition is associated with the tough fibrous tissue that runs between the heel and toes. Plantar fasciitis increases the risk of developing a heel spur.
Heel spur symptoms
Symptoms of heel spurs can include:
- shooting pain like a knife in the heel in the morning on getting up
- a dull ache in the heel for the rest of the day
- Inflammation and swelling on the front of the heel
- Thermal radiation from the affected area
- small, visible bone-like protrusion under the heel
- the sensitive point on the heel that makes walking barefoot difficult
If a person experiences these symptoms, a doctor may take an x-ray of their foot to determine the problem. Seeing the protrusion on an X-ray is the only way to be sure that a person has calcaneal spurs.
Not everyone with a calcaneal spur will have all of these symptoms. Some people with heel spurs may not have any symptoms at all. The only way these people can tell they have a heel spur is if they get an x-ray for some other reason.
Home remedies are the most common treatment for heel spur
Applications of Ice, gentle massage, and stretching heel spur exercises are the three most common and easy-to-use home remedies for heel spurs. You can perform the heel massage by applying gentle pressure with your two thumbs to the painful part of the affected foot and thus relieving the heel pain. You may additionally bring together ice application and gentle foot massage by freezing water in a plastic bottle and rolling your foot over this icy bottle. Perform this home treatment four-five minutes at a time three to four times/day.
Rest and modification of activities are also useful home remedies. The use of night splints, while you sleep, can additionally help with heel pain. Some people have also had success wearing Strasburg socks at home while sleeping. The RICE protocol is important to the healing process. Rest, ice, compression with socks, and elevation above the heart.
Stretching the calf muscles also helps relieve heel pain because the two calf muscles (the gastrocnemius and soleus) join in the Achilles tendon and insert into the heel bone. You can stretch these two muscles while standing, sitting with a towel, or on an incline board. Perform once with the affected leg straight and once with the affected leg bent, keeping the heel on the floor. Try to hold it for a minute at a time. Stretch both sides to avoid injury to the opposite side.
The plantar fascia stretch can be performed by pulling up on the toes to provide a stretch in the sole of the foot, as shown below. The plantar fascia stretch is a wonderful home remedy for heel spurs. Modalities such as ice, heat, and medical laser can also relieve pain.
Lifestyle changes for patients with calcaneal spur
First of all, you have to make some changes in your lifestyle and behaviors. Heel spurs are largely treated by taking care of the foot at home. Rest, activity modification, frosting, over-the-counter pain relievers, well-fitting shoes, foot stretches, and shoe inserts all help manage and reduce heel pain.
Changes You Can Make Now:
- Whether you run or jog, choose soft surfaces like grass and trails over hard surfaces like sidewalks and sidewalks.
- Wear shoes that fit and support your bows.
- Wear flip-flops or shoes if walking on hardwood or tiled floors.
- Change the way you walk so there’s not as much pressure on your heels.
Changes You Can Make Over Time
- Lose weight to put less pressure on your foot.
- Change your daily routine so that you don’t stand up too much.
Things you can’t change
- With age, the plantar fascia becomes less flexible, more susceptible to damage, and more susceptible to plantar fasciitis.
- You gradually lose the natural fat pads on the bottom of your feet.
- You have thick feet or high arches.
Orthotic shoe inserts
Orthotic shoe inserts, such as heel pads, can help support the arch and heel for pain relief. Heel spur pads can also help to avoid further wear and tear. In addition to proper footwear, they should be used for all-around foot protection.
Exercises for heel spurs – an essential part of treatment for heel spurs
Stretching is a good method for overall body condition as it helps exercise muscle aches and tight ligaments, and prevents injuries. The same concept applies to treating heel spur pain and recovery.
Certain types of stretching Exercises for heel spurs can help relieve pain and inflammation in the heels and calves. They include:
- the calf rests against the wall
- calf extends over the steps
- golf/tennis ball rollers
- bends in a sitting position
- the towel is grabbed with the toes
- Try these heel spur exercises to relieve pain from heel spurs
Essential oils – natural and safe treatment for heel spurs
Some essential oils can act as natural anti-inflammatories to reduce both pain and swelling. They can also be massaged into the heels for added relief.
Some of the more prominent anti-inflammatory essential oils include:
- bergamot oil
- eucalyptus oil
- fennel oil
- lavender oil
- orange oil
- rosemary oil
- sesame oil
- thyme oil
While studies are still underway to evaluate their anti-inflammatory effects, no hard evidence is yet available to show that essential oils work to treat heel spurs.
It is also important to keep in mind that these oils have medicinal properties. If used incorrectly, they can cause side effects. Always combine a few drops of essential oil with at least three times the amount of carrier oil and conduct a patch test before application.
Acupuncture – an ancient Chinese natural treatment for heel spurs
Acupuncture is an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis and heel pain and should be considered as an option for those suffering from symptoms of heel pain. Two latest (2012) findings and systematic reviews have demonstrated that acupuncture for heel spurs is useful and effective. Before we discuss how acupuncture can be effective for plantar fasciitis and heel pain, let’s briefly talk about what is first and how it is caused.
While many people consider acupuncture for heel spurs to be a new modern approach to treatment, this healing technique is one of the oldest forms of Eastern medicine.
Both anecdotal evidence and some studies show that acupuncture can be an effective tool to help manage heel pain.
Are you interested in acupuncture and can it help you with plantar fasciitis? Read on!
At the famous Melbourne clinic, researchers usually recommend weekly treatment for plantar fasciitis and heel pain. Usually, after 3-4 treatments acupuncturist gets an idea of how responsive you are. After a thorough consultation, the acupuncturist will discuss your treatment plan with you and your further recommendations, such as z is individual and the reactions to acupuncture can be different.
Because acupuncture for heel spurs can be helpful for chronic pain and inflammation, it has become an increasingly popular complementary treatment for plantar fasciitis and heel pain.
Acupuncturists are familiar with a wide variety of foot problems, including tarsal tunnel syndrome, severe disease, sports injuries, and heel pain from plantar fasciitis. Before making an appointment with an acupuncturist to help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is a good idea to ask questions about how familiar your health care provider is with treating heel pain. Throughout the acupuncture session, expect to sit or lie down on a massage table while the acupuncturist focuses on inserting the needle in your heels, feet, surrounding, and long-distance acupressure points. Some people report experiencing pain relief quickly, while others experience relief from symptoms as sessions progress. Most people with chronic pain need one or two visits a week for several months.
Acupuncture research: plantar fasciitis and heel pain
We have included some brief abstracts from two randomized control studies and a systematic review that seeks to investigate the use of acupuncture for the treatment of plantar fasciitis and heel pain. Studies have found acupuncture to be an effective pain relief intervention.
Efficacy of electroacupuncture in chronic plantar fasciitis: a randomized clinical trial (2012)
This study compared the effectiveness of electroacupuncture with conventional treatment to the use of conventional treatment alone. The study was based at an outpatient rehabilitation department in Thailand. 30 subjects who failed conservative treatment with at least 6 months of initiation were assigned to a treatment group or a control group (conventional treatment only). The acupuncture group received electroacupuncture twice a week for 10 weeks. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Foot Function Index (FFI) were used to assess the effectiveness of interventions. and were taken at the beginning, at the end, and 6 weeks after the treatment. VAS and FFI significantly decreased in the acupuncture treatment group more than in the control group. Researchers reported that electroacupuncture plus conventional treatment was more effective than conventional treatment alone for treating chronic plantar fasciitis.
One more small-scale randomized control research studied acupuncture effectiveness for the treatment of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. 28 participants were assigned to a treatment group in which acupuncture was performed on a specific point on the wrist and the control group (n = 25) received acupuncture on a point on the hand that is presumed to have analgesic effects. Treatment sessions were performed five times a week for 2 weeks. a VAS measurement was taken 1 month after treatment for morning pain. It was found that the treatment group showed a reduction in plantar fasciitis pain.
Homeopathy – an effective, natural, and safe treatment for heel spurs
The prevalence of heel spurs is increasing at an alarming rate, affecting daily routine. The effectiveness of homeopathic medicine in the treatment of calcaneal spurs helps patients holistically in relieving pain and also preventing spur formation.
Heel spurs are calcium deposits along the heel. Although heel spurs can cause heel inflammation, not all types of heel pain are caused by heel spurs, and not all heel spurs cause pain. Because these are calcium deposits that usually form after an injury, they show up clearly on an x-ray. Calcium deposits take several months to develop, and they become more common with age, so remember that any treatment will take time.
For pain associated with calcium deposits, Arnica Montana, Rhus Toxicodendron, or Ruta graveolens remedies are usually your best bet. Choose the closest fit based on the symptoms you’re experiencing – check out the previous blog for a more in-depth explanation. However, while these natural medicines help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with heel spurs, when there are calcium deposits, these remedies may not be enough.
Excellent addition to homeopathic medicine is the Schussler cell salt Calc Fluorica 6x. Calcarea Fluorica can accompany homeopathic remedies for heel spurs without intervention to fight calcium deposits anywhere in the body including the heel. The usual dosage for a Schussler cell salt is 4 tablets 2-3 times a day.
The most commonly used homeopathic remedies for heel spurs are:
- Calcarea Fluorica: the best medicine to dissolve the heel spur
One of the best remedies for heel spur treatment is calcareous flour. It is the most effective natural medicine with the best healing power to dissolve the heel spur. This remedy is of great help in all cases of heel spurs, painful or not. Calcarea Fluor acts as the best resolving agent for Calcaneal Spur and is considered the first choice remedy in every case of Calcaneal Spur.
- Ammonium Muriaticum: for heel spurs when there is heel pain when walking
Ammonium Muriaticum is a very beneficial natural homeopathic remedy for heel spurs. This remedy is of great help in reducing heel pain when walking due to the heel spur. Mur ammonium helps reduce pain and dissolve the spur. In addition to a specific worsening of pain when walking, the person also complains of pain in the morning. Some people who need Ammonium Mur can get relief from light heel rubbing. The pain can be stitching or tearing in nature from using Ammonium Muriaticum.
- Rhus Toxicodendron: For the heel spur with pain when standing
Rhus Toxicodendron is the best natural remedy for standing heel pain caused by a heel spur. Rhus Toxicodendron in addition helps restore the muscles and ligaments coating the heel bone, avoiding further injury to the heel. Rhus Toxicodendron’s next benefit is this homeopathic remedy for heel spurs dissolves the spur. Thus, Rhus Toxicodendron works in three directions for patients with heel spur: pain relief, bolstering of muscles or ligaments and melting of a spur. The pain reported by the person standing is most of the time a string of character. The person may experience the pain as being similar to that caused by a splint. Another expression used can be the pain of a fingernail under the skin.
- Aranea Diadema: For the heel spur for the annoying heel pain
Aranea Diadema is considered to be one of the best natural medicines for the treatment of heel spur. This remedy is the best for getting rid of the annoying hollow heel pain. The pain may alternate with a feeling of numbness in the heel. Extreme sensitivity to cold air may also be predominant.
- Aurum Met: for the heel spur that causes pain at night
Heel pain at night due to heel spur is best relieved by Aurum Met natural remedy. Aurum Metallicum is an appropriate and effective homeopathic remedy for heel spurs to get rid of nighttime heel pain.
- Mezereum: For the heel spur that hurts to the touch
For patients who complain of pain in the heel spur to the touch, natural medicine Mezereum is the best remedy. Mezereum is of great help in treating heel spur pain that gets worse when touched. The patient may manifest an increased sensitivity to cool air.
- Ruta: For heel spur with heel pain extending to Achilles tendon
The tendon that connects the calf muscle present on the back of the leg to the heels is known as Tendo Achilles. For patients suffering from heel pain due to the heel spur extending pain to the Achilles tendon, the best remedy for relief is Ruta. Ruta is of great help in bone and tendon complaints.
Heel pain is a common clinical condition that dramatically affects the quality of life. It is frequently associated with the calcaneal spur. Despite its high prevalence, the optimal treatment remains uncertain. The aim and objective of this study are to assess the extent of cesarean section in heel pain; the correlation of heel spurs with certain socio-demographic and health-related factors and the result of the homeopathic treatment over a period of 6 months. Methodology: This was a retrospective study carried out by Dr. Anjali Chatterjee at the Regional Research Institute for Homeopathy, Kolkata. Samples were selected from patients referred for ankle x-rays from August 2014 to July 2015 for non-traumatic heel pain. Their records were traced from the outpatient department and treatment records were reviewed over the next 6 months. Results: A total of 92 patients, 70 women, and 22 men, had a lateral ankle x-ray for non-traumatic heel pain, of which 76 (82.6%) patients had a cesarean section.
Calcarea Fluoricum, Rhus Toxicodendron, Ledum Palustre, and Aranea Diadema appeared to be the most useful homeopathic remedies for heel spurs.
Conclusion: CS was found in almost 80% of patients with heel pain, which was associated with female gender, overweight, increasing age, and profession that requires heel stress. Homeopathic treatment was effective in 3/4 of patients with SC, and Rhus Toxicodendron and Calcarea Fluoricum are the two most commonly used medications.
Treatment for heel pain in Philadelphia
A heel spur occurs when stress and tension damage the plantar fascia, the ligament at the bottom of the foot. Heel spurs are usually not the reason your heel hurts. You probably learned about your heel spur when you sought help for heel pain. Even if the heel spur did not cause heel pain, you should still pay attention to the heels. If your heels hurt when you engage in certain activities, talk to your doctor about additional steps you can take to relieve heel pain.
If you live in the City of Brotherly Love and prefer natural treatment for heel spurs contact Philadelphia Holistic Clinic and meet Dr. Tsan.
Victor Tsan, MD, the medical director of the clinic may ask you important questions that will help to understand the diagnosis and causes of your illness to better choose treatment options. The questions may include the following:
- How bad is your pain?
- Do you have difficulty moving the affected joint (s)?
- Are your symptoms affecting your ability to perform daily tasks?
- If you’ve tried home treatments before, what, if anything, has helped you?
- What’s your typical exercise routine?
- What kind of food do you usually consume?
- Do you drink a lot of water?
- Do you feel the difference in pain in hot or cold weather?
- Etc.
You can schedule your first appointment by phone (267) 284-3085 or online by scanning the QR below.
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