Heel Spurs: Treatment and Home Remedies

Heels Spurs are a condition that affects 1 in 10 people, with over half of those cases causing constant pain when walking or exercising. For anyone who may be suffering from heel spurs, here are some treatment and home remedy ideas.

What are heel spurs?

Heel spurs develop over time and are caused when the muscles and ligaments in the heel are strained. This additional pressure puts stress on the heel bone and causes bony growths, known as spurs, to appear.

Heel Spurs tend to irritate and inflame the heel, causing pain and discomfort.

Treatment of this issue is varied and ranges from home remedies, like salt baths and cold therapy. All the way to medical treatments like corticosteroid injections and surgery.

Seeking help and finding the right remedy can be a minefield of misinformation, so we’ve put together this simple guide below to help you find the best treatment for your heels.

Note: As heel pain can come from many different causes, it’s important to get a diagnosis of heel spurs by seeing a podiatrist or GP who can check and then refer for an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis. This is the first step in treating Heel Spurs, and once confirmed with a physician, you can proceed in treating the problem as outlined below.

 

Home remedy: physical therapy

It is recommended to visit a podiatrist or physiotherapist for a professional recommendation of the best stretches and exercises for your feet. Often, these exercises can then be done at home.

Some of the physical therapy which may be suggested can help to relieve pressure on the heel and can easily be done daily, without any equipment. These include: 

Note: These are best done in the evening just before you go to bed.

  • Foot Flexes: Sitting with one leg crossed over the other, reach to your foot on hold onto your toes, pulling them to your chest. Hold this for 30 seconds, then release. Repeat the stretch five times.
  • Calf Stretches: Stand at arms-length away from the wall, place one foot in front of the other and lean forward so your hands are pressed against the wall at shoulder height. In this position bend your knees and push your hips forward, stretching your calves. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then straighten your legs. Do this 10 times, then switch your feet position and repeat.

Home remedy: rest and apply a cold press

It is important to rest the feet, especially after exercise or long periods of time standing. Additionally, applying a cold compress for 15 minutes will minimise the pain as well as prevent the condition from worsening.

These methods will assist to alleviate the symptoms of heel spurs and are best done alongside long-term treatment.

Treatment: orthotics and heel cushions

One of the best long-term treatment options for heel spurs is insoles or heel cushions.

By providing sufficient support and stability to the heel and sole of the foot, you can not only minimise pain but also prevent the condition worsening.

Speaking a podiatrist or a supplier of insoles like Bauerfeind is the best way to ensure you’ve got the right insole for you.

The Viscospot is a soft heel cushion which relieves chronic heel and ankle pain, particularly heel spurs and tarsal bone pain. It acts as a shock absorber in the shoe and protects the foot from overloading with every step.

While the Ergopad Redux is deal for heel spurs, moderate to severe heel pain, Plantar Fasciitis and standing all-day.

For assistance selecting the right product for your needs, book a video consultation with a Bauerfeind expert: Book Video Call, or call us on 1300 668 466.

Woman putting a Bauerfeind insole into her shoe

Treatment: surgery for heel spurs

In chronic and severe cases, surgery is an option to relieve the pain and boost mobility, but this is best avoided where possible to avoid the risks of complications and time spent in rehabilitation.

Overall, the treatment of heel spurs is wide-ranged, and you have plenty of options to ensure you minimise pain and deterioration, especially if you treat it early. Always seek medical advice in conjunction with your own research to get the best for your heel.

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Bauerfeind products are developed at our innovation and manufacturing facility in Zeulenroda, Germany. Based on years of scientific research, our award-winning braces and support garments are highly recommended by medical professionals and athletes worldwide.

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