Heel spurs, bony projections on the back of your heel, are your body's way of compensating for the breakdown in cartilage in your foot, usually caused by osteoarthritis, overweight or a condition called plantar fasciitis. The Mayo Clinic notes that heel spurs can help redistribute body weight, and can actually be beneficial. If your heel spur is painful, your doctor may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications; severe cases may require surgery. Some people turn to naturopathic remedies for heel spurs. Consult your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements for heel spurs.
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is founded on the belief that the human body has a natural healing response, and that the naturopathic physician can support it by using low-risk, noninvasive therapies such as herbal extracts, dietary supplements and homeopathy. Naturopathic physicians attempt to view the patient as a whole, and not merely as an isolated symptom or ailment. The American Academy of Naturopathic Physicians states that diagnoses and treatments are often customized to fit each individual patient.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine, naturally found in the shells of crustaceans, is a popular naturopathic recommendation for heel spurs. According to Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health, there is consistent scientific evidence that glucosamine--which produces glycosaminoglycans, the specialized molecules found in cartilage--can benefit osteoarthritis. Blue Shield recommends taking glucosamine sulfate--glucosamine stabilized with a mineral salt--in the amount of 500mg three times a day. Drugs.com says that you should consult with a health care professional before taking glucosamine, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Homeopathic Arnica
The homeopathic arnica remedy is a popular naturopathic treatment for heel spurs. Homeopathic medicine, based on the principle that "like cures like," attempts to stimulate the body's healing response and treat symptoms by giving infinitesimal amounts of a substance that, in larger amounts, would cause the same symptoms in a healthy person. The arnica remedy is made from Arnica montana, an Alpine flower, and is used for bone problems, fractures and sprains. Ask your doctor before taking arnica for heel spurs.
Calcium and Magnesium
A naturopath may prescribe dietary supplements to treat heel spurs. Herbs 2000 states that heel spurs result from faulty calcium deposition and suggests that correct levels and proper absorption of both calcium and magnesium can alleviate them. Dr. Nathan Wei, a rheumatologist and director of the Arthritis Treatment Center in Frederick, Maryland, endorses this approach as well, and recommends taking 1,200mg of calcium and 600mg of magnesium per day. Ask your doctor before taking supplements.
Horsetail
Horsetail, botanically known as equisetum arvense, is a fern-like perennial plant. Rich in silica, and also containing manganese, potassium, sulfur and magnesium, horsetail is recommended by naturopaths to support bone health and promote healing of fractures. Herbs 2000 states that horsetail helps in the absorption of calcium and supports connective tissue regeneration. Wei endorses horsetail for heel spurs as well, saying the herb helps to rebuild connective tissue. Consult your doctor before using horsetail, and make sure you are using equisetum arvense. Another type of horsetail, equisetum palustre, is toxic. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you shouldn't use horsetail at all.
