Home Remedies for Heel Spur
What is a Heel Spur?
Heel spur is a condition where there is deposition of calcium in the heel bones of the patient. This calcium deposit causes a bony protrusion on the underside of the heels.
It is a very common condition among females who are in the habit of wearing high heels. Athletes who have to run over hard surfaces also get this disease. Anatomical problems like flat foot in people also predispose to the development of this condition.
It is itself a painless growth but may become a cause of heel pain. It is frequently found to be associated with the inflammation of the plantar fascitis a ligament joining the ball of the foot with the heel bone.
X- Ray Findings
X – Ray findings suggest as much as half an inch of protrusion of the heel above the normal findings.
Why do Some People Develop Heel Spur?
Heel spur is a condition which develops because of the slow and sustained deposition of calcium in the heel of the patients due to many reasons.
The process often takes months and may occur because of continuous strain on the ligaments and muscles of the foot.
Athletes and sports personality who are involved in a large amount of physical workout are more prone to develop this condition.
What are the Risk Factors for Developing Heel Spur?
- Excessive physical activity such as found in case of athletes, joggers etc.
- Gait abnormalities
- Running or jogging specially over hard surfaces.
- Badly worn shoes
- Excess weight and obesity.
- Advancing age which reduces the flexibility of the plantar fasciitis ligament.
- Diabetes
- Spending long hours at home or work every day.
- Having either flat feet or high arches.
Symptoms of Heel Spur
Heel spur causes no symptoms as such.
Mild to moderate swelling and redness with pain is usually found associated with this condition.
There may be difficulty in walking, jogging, running etc.
The pain may not get relieved with rest.
The pain may worsen after a good night's sleep, the pin often decreases the more you walk.
Pain is always recurring after exertional activity on foot.
Explanation of Heel Spur According to Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an Indian system of medicine which sees the human body with an altogether different perspective.
According to Ayurveda, the human body just as anything else in this Universe is made up of three types of bio energies which keep it in good health. These three energies are The vata, the Pitta and the kapha.
Any kind of disease or ill health is a result of an imbalance of these three body energies. Skeletal problems like heel spur are most commonly associated with an imbalanced vata body energy. More so because according to Ayurveda, bones are the main place of vata body energy.
Heel spur is a condition which occurs due to the aggravation of vata body energy.
In order to correct this imbalance in the vata body energy a strict dietary and lifestyle discipline needs to be followed.
How to Manage the Condition?
Many stretching exercises to relieve the ligaments and the muscles can be done.
Wearing proper shoes is a must. Ill fitted shoes are very often related with heel pain.
Taking small breaks in between if you are someone who has to stand for long hours every day.
Shoe inserts or orthotic devices may be needed for the same. These are custom made devices which help in aligning the foot and relaxing foot muscles and ligaments.
Is it Necessary to Opt for Surgery?
Surgery is not required in most cases of the condition. As much as 90 percent of the patients can be successfully managed on a conservative basis.
It is only in the rare case scenario that surgery is advised.
Is there any Ayurvedic Treatment for Heel Spur?
Ayurvedic sciences do not offer a sure shot treatment for this type of health conditions. As heel spur is mostly due to lifestyle problems like prolonged standing and obesity etc. the patients should focus more on the dietary changes and lifestyle modifications that are absolutely essential for them.
There is no medicinal treatment that can cure this condition. It requires a combination of the right fitness routine, physical activity and diet.
Natural Supplements for Healthy Heels
Natural supplements can give a good dietary support to these patients as they are often found to be overweight or suffering from nutritional deficiencies.
Planet Ayurveda is a trusted name in providing best quality dietary supplements which not only offer nutritional support but also have a positive impact over the physical and mental health of the patients.