A heel spur develops when calcium deposits form in the heel portion of the foot, usually in connection with a condition known as Plantar Fasciitis, or inflammation of the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot. The problem is that these spurs can harden and grow at which time they push into the tissue and nerves, causing various levels of pain. If not diagnosed and treated early, the degree of pain can be quite significant and in some cases, to the point of a person becoming finding it almost impossible to walk.
This foot condition is commonly treated with conventional medicine to include cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medication, and in some instances, surgery. However, most doctors also suggest the person with Plantar Fasciitis rest the affected foot, apply ice, and use shoe inserts for better arch support. While all of these treatment options seem to work relatively well, some people prefer to use natural heel spur remedies for a reduction of inflammation and pain.
Proper Diagnosis
Before natural heel spur remedies could work, an individual would need a firm diagnosis. For this, it would be essential for a doctor to learn about family health history, as well as current symptoms. Heel spurs are small bone-like growths that develop in the heel region of the foot due to the formation of calcium deposits. With this, it would be expected for a person with a heel spur, especially in connection with Plantar Fasciitis, to experience certain types of pain.
Primarily, this individual would have a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel of the foot. However, when a heel spur is connected with the foot condition Plantar Fasciitis, which is irritation and inflammation of the Plantar Fascia or connective tissue on the bottom of the foot, additional symptoms would be present to include those listed below.
- Tenderness in the heel region
- Swelling and pain on the bottom of the foot
- Slight tingling or burning sensation
- Feeling of “walking or standing on pebbles or marbles”
- Degree of pain being much worse in the morning
- Weak or tender calf muscles
Choosing the Right Treatment
With the suspicion of Plantar Fasciitis and a heel spur mounting, the next step toward diagnosis would be a standard x-ray. Typically, Plantar Fasciitis would be diagnosed based on the individual providing the doctor with symptoms although swelling would be evident when a heel spur is present. In this case, the bony growth would show up clearly on an x-ray. Once the doctor knows for sure the condition, a variety of treatment options would be recommended to include traditional medicine and natural for heel spur remedies if wanted.
It is important for a person with this condition to understand that the earlier treatment is administered the better the condition would be long-term. The reason is that without proper treatment, the level of stress placed on the cushioned part of the foot would intensify. This coupled with ongoing wear and tear on the joints would increase risk of joint problems developing because of the heel spur putting pressure on surrounding ligaments, nerves, and tendons.
Natural heel spur remedies for inflammation and pain relief work in minor and more serious cases of Plantar Fasciitis but there are times when a more aggressive approach would be warranted. For instance, if other tissue, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and joints were to become involved, options for successful treatment might include surgery. For this reason, early diagnosis is essential, along with the best natural heel spur remedies known.
Beneficial Remedies
In addition to the more traditional treatments for Plantar Fasciitis and a heel spur mentioned above, the following are some highly effective natural heel spur remedies, again to help with irritation, inflammation, and pain.
- Exercise – The calf muscle could become stronger but more flexible, the Achilles tendon stretched, and mobility improved through stretching exercises
- Mind Control – Study after study shows a direct connection between the state of a person’s mind and the state of the body. While not all pain associated with Plantar Fasciitis and a heel spur would have to do with the mind, some of it could. A few things a person could try for heel spur relief include hypnosis, visualization, and guided imagery for stress reduction and better focus.
- Supplements – One of the most beneficial natural heel spur remedies rather than take prescription medication is supplements. The list of possibilities is quite long but two types of supplements in particular are excellent for reducing inflammation and keeping pain under control. The first is ginger, which should be taken as 500 milligrams a day and the second, turmeric with the recommended dose between 400 and 600 milligrams taken three times daily.
- Calcium – Although this mineral is abundant in the human body, many people actually have a deficiency. Taking calcium on a daily basis would replace the mineral being pulled from cellular fluids and soft tissues to allow normal function.