Simple and Natural Home Remedies for Heel Spurs Relief

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 18, 2024

Advertisement

Heel spurs are a common foot problem that occurs when calcium builds up under the heel, causing a painful bony growth. This condition can be quite uncomfortable, making activities like walking or exercising difficult. The spur presses into the heel pad, creating sharp, stabbing pain. While there are medical treatments available, many heel spurs resolve on their own over time. Thankfully, several home remedies can help reduce the size of the spur and ease the discomfort, speeding up recovery.

Rest: Giving Your Heel Time to Heal

Resting is one of the most important things you can do when dealing with a heel spur. If you notice one forming, it’s crucial to reduce your activity level. Avoid putting pressure on the heel, and try to stay away from high-impact activities like running or jumping. At night, elevating the affected foot can aid in recovery. Also, skip wearing constricting shoes or socks that can irritate the spur. Honestly, anything that puts pressure on the heel will cause enough pain to remind you to take it easy. Listen to your body and allow your heel the rest it needs to heal properly.

Advertisement

Ice: A Simple Yet Effective Remedy

Heel spurs are often accompanied by plantar fasciitis, so many of the treatments overlap. One such treatment is applying ice to relieve pain and tenderness. The easiest way to do this is by freezing a water bottle and rolling it under your foot for about 20 minutes, at least three times a day. This method targets the muscles under your foot, which are affected by heel spurs, providing relief from the pain in your heel. It’s a great, low-effort way to reduce inflammation while staying comfortable at home.

Advertisement

Epsom Salt: Soothing and Healing

Epsom salt, made from magnesium sulfate, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s an excellent remedy for heel spurs. To use it, fill a foot bath with warm water and add one cup of Epsom salt. Soak your foot for 15 to 20 minutes, gently rubbing the area around the spur. This can help break up the calcium deposits and loosen the muscles and tendons in your foot. For best results, do this twice a day. Not only will it help speed up healing, but it will also reduce the pain you feel throughout the recovery period.

Advertisement

Stretching: Simple Exercises for Relief

Stretching can be a lifesaver when it comes to relieving heel spur pain. There are several exercises you can do to stretch the plantar fascia, one of the most effective being a wall stretch. Stand facing a wall with your hands against it, one foot forward and the other back. Bend your front knee and lean forward to stretch the arch of your back foot. Hold this position for a few seconds, then switch feet. Resistance bands are also useful for stretching without putting direct pressure on the heel, making them another excellent option for pain relief.

Advertisement

Apple Cider Vinegar: A Natural Solution

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for many conditions, and heel spurs are no exception. The vinegar acts as an anti-inflammatory and may even help dissolve calcium deposits over time. There are a few ways to use it: one method involves soaking a cloth in apple cider vinegar and placing it under the heel of your shoe. This allows the vinegar to work throughout the day. On days when you’re not wearing shoes, try soaking a towel in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water, then wrap it around your foot for a few hours.

Advertisement

Baking Soda: Dissolving Calcium Buildup

Baking soda is another common remedy that can help dissolve calcium deposits around the heel spur. Its chemical properties make it one of the most effective treatments for heel spurs. To use, mix a pinch of baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the heel spur and cover with a bandage. After 20 minutes, remove the bandage and rinse off the area with warm water. This treatment should be repeated twice a day. While it might take some time for the heel spur to completely dissolve, the baking soda can reduce inflammation and pain in the meantime.

Advertisement

Coconut Oil: Soothing Relief for Sore Heels

Coconut oil is well-known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying coconut oil to your heels can help soften the skin around the heel spur, which may reduce the pain and inflammation you’re feeling. Over time, it may even help soften the spur itself. To use coconut oil, massage a small amount into the heel and arches before bed, and leave it on overnight. In the morning, wash your feet with warm, soapy water. This simple nightly routine will allow your feet to absorb the oil’s nutrients and keep the skin around the heel soft and healthy.

Advertisement

Soft Shoes: Reducing Pressure on the Heel

Walking or standing with heel spurs can be tough, but most people need to carry on with their daily activities. Investing in a pair of soft shoes with good arch support can make a world of difference. Insoles designed specifically for heel spurs are also available at most pharmacies. These insoles come with added cushioning in the heel area, helping to protect the spur and aid in faster healing. By choosing the right footwear, you can make walking much more comfortable, allowing you to stay active without causing additional pain.

Advertisement

Taping: Support for the Plantar Fascia

Since heel spurs are often connected to plantar fasciitis, taping the plantar fascia can help reduce pain and promote healing. Kinesiology tape is a popular choice because it supports the muscles and helps reduce inflammation by encouraging better blood flow. Other athletic tapes work well too. The key is providing proper support to the plantar fascia, especially when shoes or insoles aren’t enough. This relieves pressure on the heel spur, reducing pain. Be sure to follow proper taping techniques to get the best results.

Advertisement

You May Also Like