7 Heel Spur Treatments and Home Remedies
- Cold compress. Cold therapy can help to relieve inflamed heel tissue. One option is to apply a cloth-covered ice pack to your heel.
- Shoes and orthotics. Comfortable and well-fitting shoes can reduce the amount of pressure on the heel spur. This pressure can cause pain and discomfort.
- Over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications can help you relieve heel pain and discomfort.
- Stretches. Stretches for the calf and surrounding muscles as well as the plantar fascia can help to reduce strain and pressure on the heel spur.
- Cryoultrasound. Cryoultrasound therapy combines the application of electromagnetic energy and cold therapy to relieve pain.
- Corticosteroid injections. Corticosteroid injections don’t cure your heel spur, but they can help with some of the pain the heel spur causes.
- Surgery. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, your doctor will usually only recommend surgery for a heel spur if conservative methods like those above have failed.
Full Answer
How to get rid of heel spur?
How to Get Rid of Heel Spur? Home Remedies for Treatment of Heel Spur Pain 1 Coconut oil: This is a very effective remedy for treating inflammation caused by... 2 Cabbage leaves: Cabbage leaves help in the reduction of pain associated with this condition. 3 Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is found to effectively reduce pain...
Can a corticosteroid injection help a heel spur?
Corticosteroid injections don’t cure your heel spur, but they can help with some of the pain the heel spur causes. To perform the injection, your doctor will usually apply a numbing medicine to reduce any discomfort at the injection site.
Should I talk to my doctor about my heel spur symptoms?
If your pain medications are not helping to ease the pain caused by heel spurs, you should make an appointment with your doctor. If you're experiencing swelling in multiple joints and anti-inflammatory medications offer no relief, see your doctor. Buy heel cups or insoles to cushion your feet inside your shoes.
Can a heel spur dig into the fat pad?
With repeated injuries to the heel bone the spur gets larger. When the heel spur does cause pain the spur digs into the soft tissue nearby. Spurs can dig into the fat pad but it’s not as common as the main culprit the plantar fascia.
Does shock wave therapy work for heel spurs?
Shockwave treatment, or shockwave therapy, is a nonsurgical, noninvasive procedure your podiatrist uses to treat tendinopathy, heel spurs, achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. All are associated with pain and inflammation in your heel or ankle.
How do you dissolve a bone spur in your heel?
The only way to get rid of heel spurs entirely is by having surgery to remove the growths. However, doctors typically reserve surgery for cases that do not respond to any other treatments. According to the AAOS, surgery is a last resort because it can lead to chronic pain.
What is the fastest way to heal a heel spur?
What's the treatment for heel spurs?Resting your heel. If you run or jog, taking a break will help your heel pain.Using cold packs or ice. ... Taking oral anti-inflammatory medicine.Wearing footwear or shoe inserts that support your arches and protect your plantar fascia by cushioning the bottom of your foot.
How do you dissolve a foot spur?
Bone spurs can be dissolved and pain can be alleviated without taking a scalpel to your feet....Foot flexSit with your legs stretched in front of you.Reach for your toes and pull them back toward you.Hold the position for 30 seconds.Repeat several times.
How do you get rid of heel spurs without surgery?
Heel spur treatmentsIce packs after walking and exercise.Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin.Injections of anti-inflammatory medications such as cortisone.Stretching exercises, especially before bed.Physical therapy.Resting your feet.More items...
How do you get rid of bone spurs without surgery?
Nonsurgical Treatment for Bone SpursMedications. Medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants may be recommended. ... Short periods of rest. ... Physical therapy and exercise. ... Spinal manipulation. ... Weight loss. ... Injections. ... Bone spur removal. ... Laminectomy.More items...
Is there a laser treatment for heel spurs?
1:402:44B-Cure Laser : Treatment of Heel Spurs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFrom our experience BQ laser can solve the problem of painful heel spurs.MoreFrom our experience BQ laser can solve the problem of painful heel spurs.
What vitamin is good for bone spurs?
Vitamin C and Arthritis A study at Duke University found that high levels of vitamin C activated a protein that causes bone spurs, which in turn actually accelerates joint damage and pain in patients with osteoarthritis.
Is walking good for heel spurs?
Depending on your specific circumstances, walking may help your heel pain, or make it worse. If you experience excruciating pain while walking, try to rest as much as possible until the pain subsides.
Does apple cider vinegar help bone spurs?
Treating Your Heel Spur In less severe cases, natural homemade remedies can also be helpful. The most effective remedies include Epsom salts, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and coconut oil. Also, it is important to note that people suffering from heel spurs should take a rest whenever possible.
Does Epsom salt help bone spurs?
Epsom salt is a natural home remedy. By adding Epsom salt to a small tub of warm water, it is possible to soak feet and relieve some of the inflammation from the heel spurs. It is only necessary to add 1 cup to a foot soak.
How do you get rid of heel spurs at home?
Here are seven treatments and remedies that can help you find relief.Cold compress. Cold therapy can help to relieve inflamed heel tissue. ... Shoes and orthotics. ... Over-the-counter medications. ... Stretches. ... Cryoultrasound. ... Corticosteroid injections. ... Surgery.
How long does it take for plantar fasciitis to heal?
However, too many injections can cause further problems, such as chronic pain. More than 90% of people with plantar fasciitis improve within 10 months using nonsurgical therapies. If plantar fasciitis is the cause of a person’s heel pain, they may find that these nonsurgical approaches help.
Why does my heel hurt?
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis , which occurs when the tissue that supports the arch of the foot becomes inflamed. In this article, we look at what heel spurs are, how they relate to heel pain, ...
How do you know if you have a heel spur?
The symptoms of a heel spur can include: pain. inflammation. a bony protrusion. tenderness on the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs often co-occur. In 2012, researchers found that 89%. Trusted Source. of people with plantar fasciitis had heel spurs.
What is a heel spur?
Heel spurs are bony growths that extend from the heel bone to the arch of the foot. According to the AAOS, only 1 in 20 people with heel spurs will experience pain. However, heel spurs do cause pain in some people. The symptoms of a heel spur can include: Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs often co-occur.
How to stretch the calf and heel of the back leg?
For this stretch: With the hands on a wall, place one leg forward with a slight bend in the knee. Place the other leg slightly behind the body and keep it straight. The heels should remain flat on the ground. Press the hips forward to feel a stretch in the calf and heel of the back leg.
Can plantar fasciitis cause heel spurs?
of people with plantar fasciitis had heel spurs. Additionally, the authors of a 2015 review suggest that heel spurs may develop as a reaction to plantar fasciitis in some cases. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis include: pain on the bottom of the foot, near the heel. pain after a long period of rest or after sleep.
Can surgery cause heel pain?
According to the AAOS, surgery is a last resort because it can lead to chronic pain. However, there are things that people can do to reduce heel pain and inflammation, such as: Rest: Activities in which a person’s feet hit a hard surface can make heel pain worse.
How to treat a swollen knee?
Must read : 10 Home Remedies for Knee Pain. 3. Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is found to effectively reduce pain and swelling caused by the bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. Soak a clean cloth in apple cider vinegar and tie it around the affected area.
What is a pointed bone outgrowth?
A pointed bony outgrowth rather a calcium deposit causing a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone is what we term heel spur or osteophytes. Remember immediate attention is obligatory to avoid serious problems.
What foods help with heel pain?
Also read : 12 Calcium Rich Foods To Include In Your Diet. 2. Cabbage leaves: Cabbage leaves help in the reduction of pain associated with this condition. Take a few cabbage leaves and soften them by holding close to a low flame. Now place these soft cabbage leaves on the heel and cover it with a clean cloth.
How to get rid of heel spurs?
Baking soda: Baking soda is found to provide relief from the symptoms of heel spur and effectively helps in reducing the size of the heel spur. Mix baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the affected area on a regular basis. Another remedy:
How to get rid of a bony outgrowth on your heels?
1. Coconut oil: This is a very effective remedy for treating inflammation caused by the bony outgrowth. Take a little warm coconut oil and gently massage on the heels. The massage will improve the blood circulation.
What is the best way to reduce pain?
A mixture of borax (an alkaline compound) and chlorinated water plays a significant role in reducing the pain. It helps to uphold the levels of hormones and minerals essential for bone health.
How to get rid of pain and inflammation?
Ginger and turmeric: You can have ginger and turmeric on a daily basis to get release from pain and inflammation as they both have anti-inflammatory properties. Add crushed ginger to boiling water and let the mixture steep for few minutes. Strain the solution and have the tea on a daily basis.
How does a heel spur heal?
The bone heals by putting down a calcium deposit. With repeated injuries to the heel bone the spur gets larger. When the heel spur does cause pain the spur digs into the soft tissue nearby. Spurs can dig into the fat pad but it’s not as common as the main culprit the plantar fascia.
How to get rid of a swollen toe?
Cross the bad side leg over the other knee. Pull your first three toes backwards. Take your other hand, and run your thumb up & down slowly along the fascia with firm, and hard, pressure. Work the whole foot from the heel to the balls of the feet.
Is there inflammation after heel spurs?
The funny thing is there isn’t a lot of inflammation for most people with plantar fasciitis or heel spurs after the initial injury. In fact there is so little inflammation that it now referred to as plantar tendinopathy. This means that the collagen in the plantar fascia is degenerating and not inflammed.
Can heel spurs cause plantar fasciitis?
The answer is heel spurs aren’t causing your pain in most cases. You might even have an X-ray that your doctor or chiropractor took showing a heel spur. They might have even told you that is why you have heel pain or plantar fasciitis. In most cases heel spurs are just the symptom and not the cause.
Why inserts for heel spurs?
Inserts can help ease the stress on the plantar fascia, and therefore a heel spur. Quality inserts will help align the structures of the foot and provide support so that the strain on the heel spur is relieved.
How to get rid of heel spurs?
Stretching is a common and effective treatment for heel spurs and heel pain. Because heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis, properly stretching the plantar fascia can ease the pain of heel spurs. Stretching is often combined with physical therapy exercises to help loosen the tendons that can pull on heel spurs and cause pain.
What is a heel spur?
A heel spur is a bony growth that occurs on the bottom of the heel bone. Anyone can get heel spurs but this condition especially affects athletes and those with plantar fasciitis. The pain from heel spurs can range for not noticeable to incredibly painful. Some people have said it feels like a pin sticking into the bottom of their heel. If you have heel spurs, you’re probably curious about your options. The good news is that heel spurs can be treated and most heel spur pain gets better without surgery.
What type of surgery is needed for a heel spur?
There are several different types of surgery for heel spurs and they range from open heel surgery to minimally invasive laser surgery. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment for your specific case.
Does acetaminophen help with heel spurs?
Although it is not a cure, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help. An injection with a corticosteroid is also a way to relieve inflammation in the area. Again, this doesn’t actually get rid of the heel spur, but it can make it easier to live with.
Can you have a heel spur without surgery?
The good news is that heel spurs can be treated and most heel spur pain gets better without surgery.
Can you have a heel spur if you have not been diagnosed?
If you suspect you have heel spurs but have not been diagnosed by a doctor yet it is important to do so, otherwise you might miss a more complex foot condition. One you have been diagnosed with heel spurs it is likely that you will start your pain management with a non-surgical treatment. Sometimes a combination of treatments is used.
How to treat heel spurs?
If you're feeling pain on the bottom of your foot near your heel, you may have a heel spur. Ease the pain by using an ice pack and taking ibuprofen. Home treatments include night splints and special stretches. If home treatments aren't helping, talk to your doctor about cortisone injections or surgery. Steps.
How to stop heel spurs from swelling?
Place your ice pack on your heel for 10 to 15 minutes at least twice a day. Ice can help relieve pain and prevent heel swelling by decreasing blood flow to that area. You can also try rolling your foot over an iced can or bottle if your heel spurs are accompanied by plantar fasciitis. ...
How to loosen plantar fascia ligament?
Do plantar fascia stretches to loosen the ligament. Get into a seated position on the floor with your legs straight in front of you. Cross your injured foot over the knee of your other leg. Grasp the toes of your straight leg and gently pull them toward you.
What is a night splint?
Night splints are braces that attach to your injured foot, ankle, and lower leg simultaneously. The splint stretches your plantar fascia ligament while you're sleeping, which helps to ease the pain. These splints are usually called "Plantar fasciitis night splints" or "heel splints.".
How to strengthen plantar fascia?
Do calf stretches to strengthen and lengthen your plantar fascia. Place your hands on a wall. Extend your injured foot behind you, keeping your leg straight. Place the non-injured foot in front of you with the knee bent. Push your hips toward the wall and hold the stretch for 10 seconds.
What to do if you have a heel spur?
If your pain medications are not helping to ease the pain caused by heel spurs, you should make an appointment with your doctor. If you're experiencing swelling in multiple joints and anti-inflammatory medications offer no relief, see your doctor.
What causes heel spurs?
Some actions that can contribute to heel spurs include: Running too often or running on hard surfaces such as concrete. Tight calf muscles. Shoes with poor shock absorption. ...