Heel spurs are bony projections, or growths, that develop on the front part of your calcaneus, or heel bone. The University of South Florida Department of Family Medicine states that heel spurs are thought to be formed by pulling forces on your heel bone caused by your plantar fascia -- a fibrous band on the sole of your foot that helps support your foot arch. Natural herbs may be helpful in treating your heel spurs. Always consult your physician before using herbs for this purpose.
Background
Heel spurs, notes Foot.com, are significantly more common in women than men, possibly due to the style of footwear worn by many women. Common factors that may cause heel spurs and heel pain include foot deformities, weight-bearing activities on hard surfaces, age, excess body weight and certain types of footwear. Heel spurs are visible on X-rays and may cause heel pain and inflammation. In some cases, your doctor may see a heel spur in your X-ray, even though you do not have any heel pain.
Natural Herbs
Natural herbs are a time-tested approach in the treatment of heel spur symptoms. Though herbs are unlikely to reduce or eliminate your heel spurs, certain herbs may help reduce your heel spur-related pain and inflammation. Some of the most helpful herbs for this health purpose, notes Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," include turmeric and chamomile, although ashwagandha, boswellia, feverfew and meadowsweet may also be helpful. More scientific research studies may be required to prove the effectiveness of these herbs.
A Helpful Herb
Meadowsweet may be a helpful natural herb in treating your heel spurs. Meadowsweet, reports Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic doctor and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," possesses anti-inflammatory action and has traditionally been used in treating inflammation in various tissues, including your muscles, nerves and skin. The leaves and the flower tops of the meadowsweet plant contain numerous medicinal ingredients that are incorporated into herbal supplements, including herbal supplements for heel spurs.
Considerations
Heel spurs can be a significant source of pain for some individuals. If you suffer from heel pain, do not delay seeking treatment for your ailment. A qualified health care professional can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and suggest efficacious treatment strategies to help resolve your complaint. Natural herbs are a safe and often helpful adjunct therapy in treating the pain and inflammation that sometimes accompanies your heel spurs, although herbs should only be used if you are under the care and guidance of a licensed health care practitioner.
References
- University of South Florida: Heel Spurs
- Foot.com: Heel Spurs
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
