Heel Spurs

A heel spur is a deposition of calcium on the bone that forms the underside of the heel. The deposition may be in the form of one small bony projection or even as a collection of tiny, irregular shaped growths on the calcaneum, the bone of the heel. Heel spurs are also known as osteophytes and are not all painful. Most people develop heel spurs at a certain part of their life but they never realize it due to the lack of pain or any other symptom.

Make sure to avoid wearing ill-fitting, tight or irregular shoes. Try using only joggers if you plan for walking or running exercises. Sandals, canvas shoes, heels or sling back shoes can be damaging to the sole and heel if rigorous activity is performed daily while wearing them.

Maintain a healthy weight, and a diet rich in vegetables. Perform light stretching exercises every day and meditate if you feel that there is too much stress in your life. Lastly, pamper your feet on a weekly basis. You would never need to search remedies for heel spur pain relief if you had done so in the first place!

Essential Oils that can help:Cypress, Eucalyptus, Helichrysum, Frankincense, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Thyme, Wintergreen

Bone spurs blend:

·    4 drops Wintergreen

·    4 drops Eucalyptus

·    4 drops Marjoram

·    4 drops Cypress

·    4 drops Helichrysum

·    4 drops Peppermint

·    4 drops Frankincense

·    10 drops coconut oil-or Emu Oil

Apply blend to affected area 2 times daily till bone spur gone, continue thereafter for 2 weeks. Speed results by wrapping with a warm cloth after oils are applied and then wrapping this with plastic bag and additional towel to keep heat in. Reported results took 2 weeks to 3 months.

Natural anti-inflammatory substances
Substances such as ginger and turmeric that are naturally occurring and have anti-inflammatory effects can be used in place of NSAIDs or other medication. Apart from being just as effective as these drugs, they have also fewer side effects. Therefore, they can be used for prolonged periods of time and without change of lifestyle as athletes usually need. Just take one or two 500 mg tablets of ginger about 3 to 4 times a day or 400 mg of turmeric daily.

Vitamin B-12
Low levels of Vitamin B-12 in your body can lead to various bone problems and has been associated with heel pain. You can either increase the amount of shell fish or liver in your diet or take Vitamin B-12 supplements to help your heel spur pain relief. As a plus point, Vitamin B-12 keeps your mind alert and your body full of energy.

Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are one of nature’s strongest suits against inflammation. You can take cod liver oil tablets that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids daily for relief from pain and irritation.

Ice packs
Used for any and every sort of inflammation, try icing your heel as soon as you feel pain after a day of rigorous activity. For better covering of the arch of your foot, try rolling a frozen bottle of water under your feet. Ice packs are also recommended for relief from the heel spur pain.

Warm baths with Epsom salt
Warm baths are generally soothing to the body and are a treat after a hard day at work. Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) has various miraculous properties when it comes to relieving pain and inflammation. Add about a cup of Epsom salt to a warm bath and gently massage your heels to alleviate pressure.

Borax solution
Borax solution is a mixture of borax and chlorinated water that is commonly available. Fill a small tub with warm water and mix borax solution and soak your heels in it for some time. You will experience rapid relief from heel ache and swelling.

Herbal poultice
An herbal poultice is as miraculously healing as it sounds. You can use cabbage leaves or mustard, warm them in hot water and apply damp leaves or crushed mustard around the affected area. Not only does the pain disappear, the poultice also improves circulation.

Apple cider vinegar
Already known for its anti-inflammatory properties in the gastrointestinal tract when consumed in small quantities, apple cider vinegar can also be used in warm towel application around the foot to drain the away the pain and discomfort.

Oil massage
Warm oil massages are extremely beneficial for your feet even under normal circumstances. If you suffer from heel spur pain, warm up a small amount of coconut or olive oil and deeply massage into the heel. You can also use aloe vera to do so. The warm oil will comfort your heels and keep them safe from effects of excessive wear and tear.

Herbal tea
Natural green tea made of herbs such as Alfalfa leaves have anti-oxidant properties that fight inflammation and boost immunity. Drink regularly to reduce pain and prevent further formation of heel spurs.

Molasses, baking soda and apple cider vinegar
Mix a small amount of molasses with baking soda and apple cider vinegar to form a warm plaster around your foot. It may be hot and sticky but it is one of the most efficient home remedies against heel spurs!

Flaxseed and linseed oil
Flaxseed and linseed oil are derived from the same plant and contain alpha-linolenic acid, a form of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid. Dip a cloth in warm oil and wrap around affected foot. To further stabilize the dressing, envelope with plastic wrap and keep warm.