A heel spur also known as Calcaneal Spur is a calcium deposit on the underside of the heel bone. It is a pointed bony growth of the calcaneus bone. It is common in patients with a history of foot pain a condition called plantar fasciitis. In this blog, I will be sharing natural tips for heel pain treatment.
What is Calcaneal Spur?
A calcaneal spur (or heel spur) is a small osteophyte or bone spur located on the calcaneus or the heel bone. It is a chronic local inflammation of the soft tissues which can be detected only by a radiological examination (X-ray). It is common among middle-aged men and women.
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What are the causes?
Calcium deposits on the underside of the heel bone, which occur over a period of many months, is said to be the primary cause. Other risk factors that lead to Calcaneal Spur include:
- Strains on foot muscles and ligaments
- Stretching of the plantar fascia
- Repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone
- Frequent or regular running and jumping on hard surfaces
- Poorly fitted or badly worn shoes, especially those lacking appropriate arch support
- Excess weight
- Diabetes
- Flat feet or high arches
- Age factor that affects the flexibility of plantar fascia and thinning of the heel’s protective fat pad
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What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:
- Severe pain on the bottom of the heel
- Painful arch of the foot
- Waking up with a painful heel.
- Increasing pain over a period of months
Did you know?
According to many surveys, it is women suffer more than men and the cause could be the use of high heeled footwear or being overweight.
Heel pain treatment in Ayurveda
Ayurveda describes this condition as ‘Vata kantaka’ which is the result of Kapha-Vata vitiation. According to Ayurveda clearly this condition is treatable without injections, surgery or any other complicated procedures.
Home remedies you can try:
- Give enough and proper rest to your feet.
- Do regular exercise to strengthen the calf muscles.
- Use footwear that has correct heel arch and support.
- Avoid walking barefoot especially on a hard floor.
- Do not wear high heeled footwear.
A word of advice:
As much as possible avoid standing for long or overexerting yourself doing different chores. Reduce intake of hot and spicy foods.
Testimonial: Heel pain treatment in Ayurveda
Hari Kumar – 40 years – Engineer
I have suffered from heel spur for about 20 months. I tried a few over the counter medicines and pain killers. Nothing gave me lasting relief. I was growing desperate and wanted to get rid of this pain by all means. Only after I consulted Dr. Brahmanand Nayak I got to know my problem and that I will be alright without the need for any surgery. His medicines worked wonders. I was completely cured of the pain within a few months. Now I am able to walk, run, jump like any normal person. I thank the doctor from the bottom of my heart.