Home Remedies for Heel Spurs Pain & Plantar Fasciitis . Sore Foot & Pain

Heel spurs are abnormal growths in the bones of the heels. It occurs when calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone. These abnormal deposits form when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel. Another cause of heel spur pain is the formation of new fibrous tissue around the bony spur to act as a cushion over the area of stress.

Causes and Aggravating Factors

• Overweight, Age, Habit of long walking, running, jogging
• Bare foot walk, Too much exercise, Flatfoot
• Diabetics, Improper foot wear, Use of high heeled footwear
• Pregnancy

Symptoms

• Heel pain while walking or running
• Gait abnormality or changes in walking pattern.
• A sharp pain of the kind as if a pin or a knife has been prick in the bottom of the feet in morning.
• Stiffness in calf muscles in the morning.
• Slight numbness

Coconut Oil Massage :-

Massaging the heels with coconut oil is known to be an effective cure against heel spurs. Coconut capsules can be taken along with the massage in order to speed up the relief process and reduce the pain and inflammation. Take virgin coconut oil for this purpose and warm the oil slightly. This is to ensure that the oil gets absorbed into the skin and exerts its action on the heel spur. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizing agent and helps in softening the heel spurs and this helps in reducing the pain.

The regular massaging action will improve blood circulation to this area and the inflammation will also be greatly reduced. Heel spurs actually do not cause any pain as such. It is when the plantar fascia gets inflamed and over stressed that the condition starts giving pain and discomfort to the person. So you might have to treat the plantar fasciitis as well along with this to get complete relief.

Cabbage Leaves :-

The leaves of cabbage are excellent for relieving pain and inflammation. Take a few cabbage leaves and show it under a low flame for softening the leaves so that they do not break while placing around the rounded heels. Cover the entire area with cabbage leaves and using a gauze, tie it securely so that it does not shift around. Leave it on and replace with fresh leaves when the cabbage leaves become dry and withered. This is a great way to treat the swelling and the pain. It is also important to rest your heels adequately during this time so that the inflammation is taken care of in no time.

Apple Cider Vinegar :-

Application of apple cider vinegar too is known to be very helpful in treating heel spurs. Take apple cider vinegar and soak a gauze in the solution. Tie it around the heel spur and this must be done for several days ensuring that the gauze remains in place at all times. You can place a duct tape over the gauze to keep it in place.

Borax Solution :-

Take half a teaspoon of borax and mix with one liter of cold water. The heel should be soaked without fail for half an hour before bedtime every day in this solution.

Salt water :-

Take one tablespoon of salt and add this to a bowl of warm or hot water. Relax a bit by soaking the affected heel in this water for about fifteen minutes. This can be repeated several times a day to reduce the swelling and prevent major discomforts associated with heel spur.

Linseed oil :-

Linseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, which is a form of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid, which helps to reduce pain and inflammation. Linseed oil can also help reduce morning stiffness associated with heel spurs.

1. Heat ¼ cup of linseed oil in a pan until it is warm.
2. Dip a piece of cheesecloth/ cheese paper into the oil.
3. Place this cloth over the affected area and cover it with a piece of plastic.
4. Put a heating pad over the plastic for a few hours. Avoid movement of any kind during this period.
5. Use this treatment once daily until you get relief from the pain.

To reduce the swelling, use freshly soaked cheese paper twice a day and also to keep the pain and other discomfort under control.

Heat treatment :-

Application of heat is another simple remedy that is used for treating all kinds of inflammations. A wet compress works much better to everyone’s relief in such times.Use a washcloth for soaking the boiled water and wringing it dry. Keep this washcloth on the heal spur for about 15 minutes. Pouring hot water on to the heels for a few minutes is another way to ease the pain and discomfort of heel spurs.

Ice :-

Ice packs are good for quick relief from swelling and pain. Apply and ice pack on the heel spur for fifteen minutes and repeat often if needed. Ice helps by numbing the area and the cool comfort also reduces inflammation. This is a temporary remedy that can be done for fast relief. Make sure that you use other home remedies for attaining full relief from the symptoms of heel spur.

Borax Solution :-

Soaking the heel in borax solution can prevent pain and reduce swelling. Take half a teaspoon of borax and mix with one litre of cold water. The heel has to be soaked for half an hour before bedtime every day in this solution. Within a few days, the pain would be considerably reduced and in a few weeks you will be completely healed.

Linseed Oil :-

Linseed oil can be soaked in cheese paper and the paper can be wound around the heel and left on for several hours a day. Use freshly soaked cheese paper twice a day to reduce the swelling and also to keep the pain and other discomfort under control.