Have you been experiencing pain in your heel?
You might be suffering from a heel spur, which sometimes manifests as the feeling of a pin sticking into the bottom of the foot after long periods of sitting or lying down and later dulls into an achy pain, says WebMD. But sometimes, a heel spur has no symptoms and is only detectable on an x-ray.
A heel spur is a build-up of calcium, which causes a protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. Heel spurs are usually the result of straining the foot muscles and ligaments. This is why heel spurs are especially common among athletes. But wearing poorly-fitting shoes can also be a cause of heel spurs, as can obesity.
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To naturally treat a heel spur, take a warm bath with a cup of Epsom salts. The magnesium in the Epsom salts will help dissolve the calcium build-up causing the heel spur. You can also eat magnesium-rich foods like avocado, spinach, beans, bananas, and dried figs, as recommended by Dr. Axe.
When treating a heel spur from home, it is wise to adhere to an alkaline diet. Doing so prevents inflammation and further build-up. To detox the body of acid and fill it with alkaline-foods, eat fruit and vegetables rich in potassium, such as bananas, cherries, broccoli, and sweet potatoes. Drink plenty of water and avoid all processed foods, as well as dairy and meat products.
You may want to give yourself a healing massage. Heat a small amount of coconut oil and rub it into the heel and toes, giving them a gentle stretch. Massaging the heel helps the fluid flow more easily and the scar tissue to break down more quickly. You can also add anti-inflammatory essential oils like rosemary, thyme, and lavender to speed up the healing process.
And finally, when treating a heel spur, be sure to wear well-fitting shoes with shock-absorbent soles, firm shanks, and supportive heel counters. It is likely poor-fitting shoes is partly the cause of your heel spur. Heal and prevent further heel spurs with the right shoes that properly distribute body weight and reduce pressure on the heel.
While each of these home remedies is helpful for treating a heel spur, they are also useful for treating other heel-related ailments. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are several possible causes of heel pain, from arthritis to plantar fasciitis, and from wearing high heels to repetitive overuse. But no matter the cause of heel pain, stretching your feet and ankles, soaking them, and above all wearing the right shoes, is a surefire fix to feel-good heels.
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Be sure to consult your physician. Any home remedies or major changes to your diet should be done under the guidance of a medical professional.
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