Although heel spur is not really a disease, it can cause severe pain in the heel of the foot. But what is it really? And who is affected by this disorder? Discover everything you need to know about heel spur, also called Lenoir’s spur: causes, symptoms and natural treatments. Follow our tips and tricks to overcome inflammation related to a painful heel.
Summary
Calcaneal spur: What is that ?
Also called heel spur, the calcaneal spur designates a bony growth at the level of the plantar aponeurosis (fibrous membrane present under the skin of the foot). This forms under the heel when it is overstretched. Pain is then felt when walking. And a well-defined support is necessary.
On the other hand, the calcaneal spur concerns everyone, even if we notice certain risk factors such as the practice of a sport combining jumps and races. In this case, the plantar aponeurosis is still in tension.
Even if it is not really a pathology, the calcaneal spur represents a stigma of a support disorder that must be diagnosed.
The causes
The heel spur can have several origins:
- too much strain on the heel. This causes inflammation of the plantar fascia and therefore the formation of the heel spur. Generally, sprinters and basketball players are the most affected by this disorder;
- prolonged standing;
- a gait abnormality exerting significant pressure on the heel bone;
- poor footwear (heel too thin or too high, unsuitable shoe, etc.);
- overweight and obesity can also lead to an imbalance, and lead to sagging of the foot;
- finally, note that it is common to observe a Lenoir’s thorn in elderly people who are overweight as well as in subjects with flat or hollow feet.
Symptoms
A sharp pain in the heel is manifested during a heel spurs. People who suffer from it then have the impression of walking on needles. This is especially true when you wake up. On the other hand, stiffness of the calf and Achilles tendon is observed.
Then, the thickening of the aponeurosis can be accompanied by microlesions or even a total rupture. It is therefore necessary to make a diagnosis. This is based on an X-ray to visualize the calcaneal spur. Then, the ultrasound determines the origin of the evil and locates it precisely.
Natural treatments for a heel spur
Homeopathy
Generally, a heel spur is relieved with a homeopathic treatment based on Ruta 5 CH. Take 5 pellets 3 times a day for 4-6 weeks.
Massage and stretching
Self-message proves to be an effective treatment to soothe pain related to a heel spur. Use a towel to pull your foot up. Your leg should be straight and your toes bent.
Another possibility is to use a tennis ball to self-massage the arch of the foot. This promotes the circulation of blood at the level of the aponeurosis. And the healing process is also accelerated.
Finally, you can also put your two feet on the edge of a stair step, one of the two heels in a vacuum. Then stretch the outstretched leg towards the bottom step.
Orthopedic insole or heel pad
In the event of support problems and to relieve a sagging foot, consult a podiatrist. This specialist will offer you an orthopedic insole. And if you have a hollow foot, a heel lift will relieve the pain by raising the foot.
physiotherapy sessions
Physiotherapy sessions may be considered. The practitioner will then treat the calcaneal spur using shock waves. And in case of tearing of the aponeurosis, the physiotherapist will follow the protocol of Stanish (rehabilitation).
The vinegar
Place a compress of wine or cider vinegar on the affected area. Leave on for two hours a day for the natural treatment to be effective. You can also place the heel on a compress moistened with vinegar.
Be careful not to use too much product because the acetic acid in the vinegar can attack the skin. And between two applications, massage your foot with a fatty cream.
organic silicon
Prepare a compress soaked in organic silicon wrapped in cling film. Leave the compress on the affected area overnight. The operation can be repeated on several consecutive days if necessary.
Cold
The cold has virtues to soothe the pain associated with inflammation. Place an ice pack on your foot. Repeat several times a day to relieve the heel spur.
ginger and turmeric
These are excellent natural anti-inflammatories that can replace taking medication. Take 1 or 2 tablets of ginger up to 4 times a day or 400mg of turmeric.
A supply of vitamin B12
Heel pain as well as bone problems can occur with a lack of vitamin B12. To increase its intake, eat shellfish or liver. You can also take vitamin supplements to fight heel spur.
Omega-3s
These are very good natural remedies to soothe inflammation. Take cod liver oil tablets regularly. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Herbal poultice
This grandmother’s remedy helps reduce pain. Use cabbage or mustard leaves. Warm them in hot water, then place the wet sheets around the painful heel.
Olive or coconut oil
Do not hesitate to perform hot oil massages on your heel. In addition to soothing pain, this natural treatment will relax you. Heat a little olive or coconut oil. And deeply massage the affected area.
Note: you can also use aloe vera to perform the massages.
Linseed oil and seeds
Dip a soft cloth in warm linseed oil. Then wrap your painful foot and put a plastic film to keep the heat.
Essential oils
EOs have many virtues to overcome inflammatory pain. In case of heel spurs, resort to this natural treatment. Prepare your massage oil by mixing 1 mg of eucalyptus citrodora, 1 ml of Gauthérie, 1 ml of Juniper, 1 ml of ravintsara in 20 ml of Arnica or Calophylle oil. Massage the foot twice a day with this solution.
A poultice of green clay
Make a poultice of green clay every night to increase your chances of healing. Green clay helps relieve pain and treat inflammation.
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