Heel Spurs

A heel spur, also known as a calcaneal spur, is a hook of bone that forms at the back of the foot, below the heel.

Heel spurs can be identified and diagnosed by means of an x-ray of the foot. Studies have found that there is a relationship between heel spurs and the condition known as plantar fasciitis.

The plantar fascia is the tissue that forms the arch of the foot, and in a patient with plantar fasciitis, that tissue becomes irritated and inflamed. It has been discovered that heel spurs are most common in patients who have had a history of foot pain due to plantar fasciitis.

The heel spur is typically found at the point where the plantar fascia, is joined to the heel bone. The tissue of the plantar fascia is stretched tight across the arch of the foot, as it helps to maintain that arch.

Whenever you walk or run, most of your weight is distributed across the plantar fascia, so a great amount of stress is placed on the plantar fascia.

It is this stress that causes the formation of heel spurs.

Natural Cures for Heel Spur:

Apple Cider Vinegar:

An effective home remedy to get rid of a heel spur is to take a piece of brown paper, such as the type that is used to craft brown paper shopping bags.

Cut two pieces of the paper out in the shape of the heel end of your shoes.

Soak the pieces of paper well in apple cider vinegar, then place them in your shoes before you put your shoes on.

Replace the pieces of paper with freshly soaked pieces regularly.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications:

Medications are available over the counter in drugstores and pharmacies that have anti-inflammatory properties, and will help to deal with the pain that comes from having a heel spur.

Massage:

Using your thumbs, give yourself a massage over the affected and inflamed area, applying firm pressure and rubbing up and down.

This will help to relieve the tension in the area and provide relief from pain due to inflammation.

Ice:

When you feel your heel spur acting up and becoming particularly painful, wrap an ice pack in a towel and hold it against your heel.

Keep the ice pack there for 10 minutes, then remove it for 10 minutes, and repeat the process as many times as necessary for the pain to subside.