4 home remedies for heel spurs

4 home remedies for heel spurs

Illnesses

Herbal tincture prepared with 6 medicinal plants and alcohol, as well as foot baths with Epsom salts are excellent home remedies to help reduce inflammation in the affected area and relieve pain caused by heel spurs.

However, the best way to alleviate the discomfort caused by heel spurs is to reduce body weight to reduce pressure on the spur, wear soft, comfortable shoes, and use a specific insole that has an opening that must be placed on the heel spur. area where the spur is located, preventing it from touching the shoe.

A calcaneal spur is a growth of the heel bone and occurs when the plantar fascia is subjected to excessive load, generating sharp pain. In some cases, this problem can occur together with plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the tissue present in the heel of the foot. Learn more about plantar fasciitis.

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Some home remedies that can be done to relieve heel spurs are:

1. 6-herb tincture

This herbal tincture can be made at home and is very easy to use, containing 6 plants with strong anti-inflammatory power that help reduce inflammation around the spur, relieving symptoms.

Ingredients:

  • 2 liters of alcohol;
  • 1 teaspoon of myrrh (Commiphora myrrh);
  • 1 teaspoon angelica (Angelica archangelica);
  • 1 teaspoon of saffron (Crocus sativus L.);
  • 1 teaspoon rhubarb (Rheum rhubarb);
  • 1 teaspoon of aloe vera (Aloe vera);
  • 1 camphor stone (Cinnamon and camphor).

Preparation mode:

Mix all the ingredients and place in a dark-colored glass container, such as a tightly closed beer or wine bottle, and store in a clean cabinet, protected from light.

Let it rest for 20 days and stir once a day. After this period, it is now possible to use the tincture, soaking a gauze or clean cloth in this herbal tincture and placing it on the foot. You can also bandage your foot with a cloth soaked in the dye so that the sole of the foot remains in contact with the product throughout the night.

2. Foot bath with Epsom salts

Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) are easily found in pharmacies and drugstores and are a good home remedy to combat foot pain because they contain magnesium sulfate, a substance that has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ingredients:

  • 2 spoons of Epsom salts;
  • 1 bucket with warm water.

Preparation mode:

Mix the salts in warm water and let your feet soak for 20 minutes or until the water cools.

3. Avocado seed tincture

This tincture is very effective in relieving pain, because the avocado seed helps fight inflammation. Understand better what the avocado pit is for.

Ingredients:

  • 1 grated avocado seed;
  • 500 ml of alcohol;
  • 4 camphor pebbles.

Preparation mode:

Place the grated avocado seed, alcohol and camphor stones in a dark bottle and leave in a dark bottle for around 20 days. Stir daily and dip a cloth or gauze in the dye and apply to the painful area, leaving it to act overnight.

4. Spinach compress

Spinach is a great home remedy to reduce pain caused by heel spurs, as it contains zeaxanthin and violaxanthin, which have a strong anti-inflammatory action, helping to reduce pain.

Ingredients:

  • 10 spinach leaves;
  • Gaze.

How to use:

Cut the spinach, knead it well and place it on the spur area, covering with gauze. Leave to act for 20 minutes and then wash with warm water.

Tips for fighting spurs at home

Dealing with spurs at home can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience. Whether they’re causing discomfort in your heels, feet, or other parts of your body, spurs can significantly impact your quality of life. However, there are several strategies you can implement to alleviate symptoms and manage spurs effectively without resorting to invasive treatments. In this article, we’ll explore some practical tips for fighting spurs at home, helping you find relief and improve your overall well-being.

  1. Proper Footwear Selection: One of the first steps in combating spurs at home is to ensure you’re wearing appropriate footwear. Opt for shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning, particularly in the heel area. Avoid high heels and shoes with narrow toe boxes, as they can exacerbate pressure on the feet and aggravate spur-related discomfort. Look for shoes with arch support and cushioned insoles to help distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on the affected areas.
  2. Gentle Stretching Exercises: Regular stretching exercises can help relieve tension in the muscles and ligaments surrounding spurs, promoting flexibility and mobility. Incorporate gentle stretching routines into your daily routine, focusing on areas such as the calves, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia. Simple exercises like calf stretches, toe curls, and towel stretches can help alleviate stiffness and improve range of motion, reducing discomfort associated with spurs.
  3. Cold Therapy: Applying cold therapy to the affected area can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation associated with spurs. Use an ice pack or frozen gel pack wrapped in a thin towel and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time. Cold therapy can help numb the area, reduce swelling, and alleviate discomfort, especially after periods of activity or prolonged standing. Be sure to give your skin breaks between applications to prevent frostbite or skin irritation.
  4. Supportive Orthotics: Orthotic inserts or shoe inserts can provide additional support and cushioning for your feet, helping alleviate pressure on spurs and reducing discomfort. Off-the-shelf orthotic inserts are available at pharmacies and specialty shoe stores, offering varying levels of support and customization options. Alternatively, you can opt for custom-made orthotics, which are molded to the specific contours of your feet for optimal comfort and effectiveness. Experiment with different types of orthotics to find the ones that work best for your individual needs.
  5. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can exacerbate pressure on the feet and exacerbate symptoms associated with spurs. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise can help alleviate strain on the affected areas and reduce discomfort. Focus on incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while limiting intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and high-fat foods. Aim for regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, to promote overall health and reduce stress on your feet.

Conclusion: Dealing with spurs at home requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both symptoms and underlying causes. By following these practical tips, you can effectively manage spurs and alleviate discomfort without resorting to invasive treatments. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or severe symptoms, as they can provide personalized recommendations and guidance based on your individual needs. With patience, consistency, and proper self-care, you can find relief from spurs and improve your overall quality of life.

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Bibliography
  • Miguel Luís Guillén Álvarez Doctor Professor of the Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry of the Complutense University of Madrid. Professor of the International Nursing Program at the University of Saint Louis University Madrid Campus, Diploma-Graduate in Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Doctor in Podiatric Medicine. ORTHOSIS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PAIN PRODUCED BY PLANT Spurs OF THE CALCANEUS.. 2022 Spanish Journal of Podiatry.