Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are bony projections that can develop on any bone. Most bone spurs themselves are not painful, but MayoClinic.com states that they can inflame nearby bones or soft tissues, including nerves. Bone spurs most commonly develop near joints or where ligaments and tendons join bone, such as the heel. Ask your doctor if herbal remedies are appropriate for you.
Heel Bone Spurs
There are numerous factors that may contribute to bone, or heel, spur formation, including aging, heredity, sports-related injuries, poor nutrition, certain structural problems and several health conditions. The most common cause of heel spur formation is severe stress and strain on the calcaneus, or heel bone, and the surrounding soft tissues. The stress and strain cause inflammation of the ligaments in the sole of the foot, and over time, bone spurs manifest in the affected area.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies have long been used in treating heel spurs, although more clinical research evidence may be needed to confirm these remedies' purported health effects. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch reports that arnica and chamomile may be used in a foot bath to help relieve heel spur-related symptoms. Other beneficial herbal remedies for this condition may include bromelain, from pineapple, and curcumin, from the spice turmeric.
Featured Herb
One of the most commonly used herbal remedies in treating the inflammation and other signs and symptoms associated with heel spurs is turmeric. Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin. Curcumin has long been used in treating inflammatory conditions associated with soft tissues, notes naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice." This herbal remedy may be as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in treating certain conditions, Mitchell advises.
Warning
Heel spurs, though not life-threatening, can significantly affect your ability to perform your usual occupational and recreational activities. If you are diagnosed with heel spurs, review possible treatment methods with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a combination of conventional and alternative treatments to help address your symptoms and resolve your underlying health problem. Some herbal remedies contain powerful active ingredients, and they should only be used if you are under the care and guidance of a licensed health care provider.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Bone Spurs; Jan 5, 2010
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Bone Spurs
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
