Heel spurs -- bony growths on the underside of your calcaneus, or heel, bone -- are a relatively common radiographic finding. Heel spurs are usually caused by stress and inflammation of the tissues that surround your heel and commonly associated with plantar fasciitis and ankylosing spondylitis. Herbal remedies may be helpful in treating your heel spurs, but always discuss herb-related issues with your family physician before using them for this purpose.
About Heel Spurs
Heel pain, notes the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, may be caused by numerous factors, including tendinitis, arthritis, cysts, nerve irritation, stress fractures and heel spur syndrome. Irritation of your plantar fascia -- a ligamentous band located on the sole of your foot -- may aggravate your heel bone. Your heel bone responds by forming a bone spur. One of the most common signs and symptoms associated with a heel spur is severe heel pain with your first step in the morning.
Useful Herbal Remedies
Useful herbal remedies for heel spurs help reduce the pain, swelling and inflammation that may occur with this condition. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch states that bromelain, turmeric and arnica may be among the most helpful herbs for this condition. Other beneficial herbal remedies in treating your heel spur may include boswellia, rose hips and horsetail. More clinical research evidence may be required to support the use of these herbs for this health problem.
Herbal Remedy in Focus
Boswellia has historically been used in treating inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, bursitis and ulcerative colitis. Boswellia's ability to reduce inflammation also makes it an effective remedy in treating your heel spur symptoms, although it is unlikely to reduce the size your bony growth, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Boswellia, an Ayurvedic herb also known as Indian frankincense, contains numerous important phytochemicials, such as boswellic acids and limonene.
Considerations
Heel spurs, though sometimes painful and temporarily debilitating, are not serious or life-threatening. Your heel spurs may best be managed by a qualified health care professional, such as a musculoskeletal health specialist. If you are considering using herbal remedies to help resolve your heel spur-related symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor to review the short-term and long-term health ramifications associated with herbs as well as proper treatment duration, dosage and procedures.
References
- MedlinePlus: Heel Injuries and Disorders
- American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons: Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- University of Michigan Health System: Boswellia
