Arnica oil or ointment is ideal for relieving heel pain. Massaging it has no curative effect, but will help relieve the pain. Dilute 2 drops of Arnica oil in a tablespoon of plant oil and massage.
Heel spurs: 4 traditional remedies to relieve them
If you feel a stinging sensation in your heel with every step you take, look no further: it's probably a heel spur! This painful bony growth can form as a result of overloading the heel or arch of the foot. Fortunately, there are natural remedies that can soothe this pain. Discover 4 traditional remedies to help you get back to enjoying walking.
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What is a heel spur?
Calcaneal spur, also known as heel spur, is a painful condition that affects the lower part of the heel, specifically the heel bone known as the calcaneus. It is characterised by the formation of a small bony spur or growth on this bone. This condition can be extremely uncomfortable and affect mobility.
How is a heel spur formed and why?
Heel spurs usually form as a result of excessive strain on the ligaments and tendons of the foot, particularly the plantar fascia. Common causes include overuse due to intense physical activity, poor posture when walking or running, and wearing inappropriate footwear that does not provide adequate support.
What are the symptoms of a heel spur?
Typical symptoms of heel spur include a sharp or stabbing pain in the heel, which is often worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity. The pain may also be exacerbated when walking or running.
4 traditional remedies to provide relief
Exercises: stretching and muscle strengthening
Stretching exercises, particularly plantar fascia stretching, can play an essential role in managing heel spurs. Stretching the plantar fascia can help relieve the tension that often develops around this area. Here's how to do it:
Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you.
Bend one leg and place the ankle of that leg on your opposite knee.
Grab the toes of the bent leg with your hand on the same side.
Gently pull your toes towards you, directing the movement upwards towards your knee.
You should feel a stretch along the arch of your foot. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds.
Repeat this stretch several times a day to relieve tension and reduce pain.
As well as stretching the plantar fascia, other muscle-strengthening exercises, such as rolling a ball under your foot, can also help to strengthen the arch muscles and reduce the pain associated with heel spurs.
Hot/cold
As well as applying ice packs as soon as symptoms appear, alternating hot and cold can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain while stimulating blood circulation.
Use a hot compress for 20 minutes, followed by a cold compress for 20 minutes. Repeat this process several times a day.
Alternate between hot and cold footbaths: immerse your feet in hot water for 5 minutes, then switch to cold water for 2 minutes.
Superfine Montmorillonite Green Clay
Directions for use: To relieve inflammation, you can make a green clay poultice. You will need montmorillonite green clay mixed with other clays or powder, then add water or a hydrosol. Apply a thick layer to the body, leave on for at least 1 to 2 hours without letting it dry, and rinse thoroughly afterward.
The bonus remedy: compresses
Compresses can help relieve pain. You can use heated linseed oil to create a soothing hot compress. Applying a compress soaked in apple cider vinegar may also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Precautions and contraindications
When using these traditional remedies, be sure to observe the precautions. Make sure you don't have any allergies to essential oils and always test these remedies on a small area of skin before using them more widely. If you have any underlying health problems, consult a health professional before undertaking any treatment.
If the pain persists or worsens, consult a doctor. He or she will probably advise you to have an X-ray and a CT scan to make sure you get the treatment you need.
Find out more
What ointment should I use for heel pain?
What ointment should I use for heel pain?
What ointment should I use for heel pain?
Can a heel spur disappear?
Can a heel spur disappear?
Can a heel spur disappear?
Treating a heel spur can sometimes seem like an obstacle course, and it is generally necessary to combine several solutions to find relief. Healing takes time, and it takes between 1 and 3 months to treat this condition, which can recur.
Who can correct a heel spur?
Who can correct a heel spur?
Who can correct a heel spur?
To correct a heel spur, it is important to consult a qualified health professional. Radial shockwave treatment should be carried out by a physiotherapist.
When should a heel spur operation be performed?
When should a heel spur operation be performed?
When should a heel spur operation be performed?
Plantar fasciitis or heel spur surgery should only be considered in cases of persistent or recurrent heel pain. In fact, plantar fasciitis is more often treated with surgery than heel spurs.
Bibliography
1
Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs
Ortho Info: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/plantar-fasciitis-and-bone-spurs
2
Are you heels constantly in pain? You may be suffering from a heel spur
Published by Dr. Torsten Pfitzer in Douleur, 9 February 2021
3
Plantar fasciitis (Plantar fasciitis)
Kendrick Alan Whitney , DPM, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Dec. 2019
4
What treatments are available for heel spurs?
Nantes Orthopédie: https://nantesorthopedie-podologie.fr/
