The words heel spur and plantar fasciitis are frequently confused by most people. Even though those two conditions are similar, they are not identical, and each should be handled in its specific way. Plantar Fasciitis is degeneration of collagen. Collagen is one of the primary structural proteins found in our skin and in much of our connective tissues. While a Heel Spur is a calcified growth that can look like a pointed hook that appears on the bone of the heel.
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What Is a Heel Spur and Why Do They Hurt?
Heel spurs are known by several names such as foot spurs, osteophytes or calcaneal spurs. Heel spurs start as insignificant and undetected calcium deposits. These deposits can grow so slowly that they are undetected and are only identified after months and years of growth. They are distinguished by their “pointed” and “hooked” shaped. Their sharp edge can begin to push the soft tissue of the heel, and every step results in a stabbing feeling and severe heel pain.
Below we will show you five natural ways to help with heel spurs, if on the other hand you need to find the best shoes for heel spurs we encourage you to read our heal spurs product guide.
5 Natural Ways for Effective Heel Spur Relief
1. Magnesium sulfate – Epsom salt bath
Using a small container, create an Epsom salt bath for your feet. Merely pepper some Epsom salt in warm water and set your feet in it. Some people have found great comfort by also lightly massaging their heels while soaking them. The Epsom foot massage releases the pressure in the heel and can thus relieve the pain associated with heel spurs.
2. Anti-inflammatory essential oils
Certain essential oils, such as lavender and rosemary, have intrinsic anti-inflammatory characteristics as well as coconut and olive oil. When massaging with essential oils, it is best to heat up the oil slightly then strongly but gently rub it into your heel and pain area.
3. Instant Heel Spur Relief with an Ice pack
When you need immediate, and we mean instantaneous heel pain relief nothing is better and a simple ice pack. Utilizing an ice pack on the troubled region for few minutes at a time is an excellent way to relieve swelling and discomfort. It is always better to use a towel to wrap the ice pack since its never a good idea to place ice directly in your heel.
4. Wearing minimalistic shoes and sandals
Finding the right shoe or sandal for your feet alleviate heel spur pain. Shoes that are overly tight can reduce the movement needed by your tendons, and this can cause damage to the bones of your feet. It is crucial to use shoes that are well-fitting, the insoles and soles should be shock-absorbent. Shoe’s with firm shanks help many heel spur sufferers because the firm shank along with supporting the foot gives the shoe the stable structure needed to battle heel spurs. Shoes and heel pain relief comes down to reducing pressure on the heel and dividing your weight evenly and uniformly.
5. Baking soda solution
Baking soda has so many uses that we can forget to use this simple ingredient. Besides keeping teeth and pools sparkling clean, cleaning our clogged pipes and relieving diaper rash, baking soda can also help ease heel spur pain. Fill a shallow bucket or tub with warm water and add 4 to 5 heaping tablespoons of baking soda and immerse your feet for a few minutes. This baking soda foot bath will relax your skin and soothe skin sensitivities.