Heel spurs can cause intense pain due to the inflammation in the plantar fascia in the base of the foot. In most circumstances, the inflammation triggers the development of a protuberance from the heel bone. Heel spurs can cause the foot and heel to swell and become painful that is quite evident upon waking up in the morning and subsides as the day progresses.
There are various measures that can be used to manage heel spurs. Before the individual attempts to use any treatment option, a doctor should be consulted first.
Rest
Allowing the affected heel to rest is an essential component in managing heel spurs. The individual should take a break from running as well as long walks or other activities that involve pounding the heel against hard surfaces to help the pain from the heel spurs dissipate.
Cold therapy for heel spurs
An ice pack can be wrapped with a dish towel and then applied on the heel spurs. The cool temperature of the ice pack helps reduce the pain and swelling in the affected area.
Stretching
Individuals who seek medical care for heel spurs might be given instructions for stretching exercises that can help eliminate the pain from heel spurs. If the individual performs the stretching exercises regularly, it can help the heel stay loose.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can also reduce the pain from heel spurs. It works by pulling out the excess calcium from the area of the heel spur. This is considered as a natural treatment for heel spurs that can be applied by using cotton balls that are dabbed into the heel.
Another alternative is cutting out a piece of towel or paper in the shape of a foot and immersed in the vinegar. This is placed in the shoes and rotated in all the shoes used for 5 days. Just remember to keep the paper or towel with apple cider vinegar damp by reapplying as needed throughout the day.
The foot with the heel spurs can also be immersed in a tub of warm or cool apple cider vinegar.
Turmeric powder
Turmeric is considered as a natural treatment for pain and inflammation. A 500 mg of turmeric powder can be taken first thing in the morning by the individual before eating to help minimize the inflammation of the spurs.
Curcumin is a compound in turmeric that can help ease the pain of the spurs. Turmeric powder can also be added to foods to minimize the pain. If the individual attempts to use this approach, a doctor should be consulted first.
Heel inserts
Heel pad inserts can be placed inside shoes as recommended by the doctor to help remedy the pain. The individual should also ask the doctor how long the heel pad insert should be used in managing the condition.