Heel spurs are one of the most common culprits of foot pain in Canada. In a nutshell, a heel spur is displaced calcium that deposits around the calcaneus—or the heel bone.
It typically develops as a result of repetitive trauma or damage to the heel, which causes the deposits to form.
The pain can range from a persistent dull ache to excruciating pain that can prevent a person from standing, walking, or going about their daily activities.
Symptoms of Heel Spurs
Heel spurs often don’t have any symptoms and can be wrongly diagnosed as plantar fasciitis. Because the calcium deposits build up gradually, heel spurs can go undetected for very long periods. Contrary to common belief, they aren’t sharp and pointy, which is why they often go unnoticed.
Some people may experience inflammation of the surrounding tissue, the formation of calluses, swelling, and chronic throbbing heel pain, though.
Natural Solutions to Treat Heel Spurs
There are several successful treatments for heel spurs. Custom orthotics are the most common one, reducing pressure and encouraging the heel spurs to break up. However, if you are looking for natural home solutions, try the following strategies:
Foot Massage
Massaging the feet frequently can break up the scar tissue that forms due to heel spurs and aids in the healing process. Massaging oils such as olive and coconut into the heel can ease pain, reduce discomfort, and allow the heel to become stronger and resilient.
Comfortable Shoes and Supporting Insoles
Wearing proper shoes will prevent heel spurs from forming, and will also aid in healing a heel spur. Well-fitted shoes and supportive insoles can distribute the weight of your body evenly, reducing pressure that might cause the heel spurs to form.
Orthotic inserts can help you manage pain by cushioning and lifting sensitive areas that are affected by the heel spurs. Shoes that are too tight or ill-fitting can exacerbate the formation of heel spurs and can cause acute painful conditions.
Get Enough Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps in calcium absorption and bone. Hence, you can add foods such as spinach, avocados, Swiss chard, and bananas to your diet to ensure you are getting proper amounts of magnesium.
You can also relieve painful heel spurs by soaking your feet in a warm bath containing Epsom salts. Epsom salts are magnesium sulphate—a salt that lowers inflammation.
Get In Touch With Orthopaedic Experts at SEMI
Looking for leading orthopedic experts in The Greater Toronto area?
Sports & Exercise Medicine Institute sports medicine and physical therapy clinic offers the services of the top Orthopaedic Experts and sports injury doctors in the area. They offer hands-on assessment, expert diagnoses, customized treatment plans, and patient education for various musculoskeletal issues including heel spurs.
Their services also include custom orthotics, foot pain podiatry services, massage therapy and much more! Contact them today to schedule an appointment!
