Fact Checked
Heel spurs are bony protrusions of the heel bone caused by calcium growths. It is described as an abnormal growth that will cause severe pain that prevent the person from wearing closed shoes. Sometimes, the pain may be severe and becomes worse when walking. To learn to manage pain from bone conditions such as heel bone spurs, enroll in a first aid course with a credible Canadian provider today.
Causes of heel bone spurs
- Heel spurs can be caused by excessive pulling of the periosteum of the calcaneus by the plantar fascia.
- Pressure placed on the calcaneus when walking or standing
- Friction on the calcaneus that is produced by some bone when walking or standing.
- Prolonged pressure and inflammation of the periosteum on the calcaneus.
- Being obese, a weak calf muscle and wearing incorrect shoes can cause a plantar calcaneal spur or heel bone spur.
Treatment and home remedies
- Wear foot splints at night in order to help stretch the plantar fascia while sleeping and prevents the arch of the foot from contracting.
- Stretch the calf muscles before getting out of the bed and apply a heating pad and perform massage under the foot to help minimize the symptoms.
- Avoid prolonged walking, running and walking without shoes or barefoot.
- Apply hot packs of flaxseed on the affected heel to provide relief from pain.
- Apply alternately cold and hot compress for 20 minutes in order to lessen the pain.
- Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen in order to lessen the pain.
- Exercise and stretch the muscle around the injured area by focusing on the Achilles tendon, ligaments present in the foot and the calf muscles to lessen the stress placed on the plantar fascia as well as minimize the development of heel bone spurs.
- Avoid being overweight since it adds pressure on the foot
- Wear heel support inserts in the shoes that are usually made out of gel silicon material. It works as a shock absorber that minimizes stress placed on the foot.
- Rest the foot by taking a break from an exercise routine.
- Keep the heels elevated higher than the level of the heart. An alternative is to place a couple of pillows under the feet while sleeping in order to minimize inflammation.
How to use apple cider vinegar
- Cut a paper bag and fold it over and then soak the paper in apple cider vinegar. Press the paper into the heel of an old shoe and wear the shoes. Soak the paper again in apple cider vinegar if it becomes dry. Regular use of this application should clear the spur in a week.
- Soak a cotton towel in apple cider vinegar and fold it into a square and place in the heel and secure with a cloth bandage. Keep the application damp with the vinegar. This application should heal the spur in 2-3 weeks.
- If the individual has spurs in both heels, place warm apple cider vinegar in a pan and pour into a small plastic tub and soak both feet in the tub. Add more warm vinegar when it starts to cool down. This application will also soften hard calluses and eliminates foot fungi.
FACT CHECK
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/plantar-fasciitis-and-bone-spurs
https://www.healthline.com/health/heel-spurs
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/heel-spurs-pain-causes-symptoms-treatments#1