How the disease occurs, with what symptoms it manifests itself, and what kinds of methods are used in the treatment are generally learned after the disease has come to an end. Heel spur, which is a kind of osteophyte that occurs in the heel bone, also known as calcaneus, is a kind of orthopedic disorder encountered in the heel part.
People who suffer from heel spurs:
- In general, when they wake up in the morning, they feel pain when taking their first steps after getting out of bed.
- This pain is often compared to a stabbing pain and its severity is not to be underestimated.
- When such situations occur, it is usually desirable to move the feet.
- In this way, it is aimed to soften the muscles.
- After these movements, the level of pain is expected to decrease.
- In addition to the pain that occurs after waking up in the morning, the heel spur can also manifest itself after actions such as standing for a long time or sitting still for a very long time.
Heel spur, which is a disease that is more common in people who are generally involved in sports related to running:
- It can also be seen in people who are overweight and do not make the right choices in choosing shoes.
- Another factor that causes the formation of heel spurs is age.
- With increasing age, especially 40-60 years There is a significant increase in the incidence of heel spurs.
On the other hand:
- It is worth mentioning that those who do some sports such as ballet and aerobics are also more likely to encounter heel spurs.
- Those who have flat feet, those who have a very arched foot, and those who have problems walking because their foot shape is abnormal are among the people who are likely to encounter heel spurs.
- The increase in the pressure exerted by the body on the feet due to being overweight also affects the severity of the disease in direct proportion to the weight.
- If we look at the occupational classes, it is quite possible that teachers, waiters, factory workers, cleaning workers and similar people who have to stand for a long time for work will encounter this disease.
Among the main symptoms of heel spurs are:
- aches,
- swellings,
- Stiffness in the relevant area,
- And there are situations such as difficulty in moving.
People suffering from the disease may have difficulty in performing certain movements and walking in daily life, as they often feel pain when their feet touch the ground.
How to Treat Heel Spurs?
Heel spur is a disease that can be treated at home with inexpensive methods by adhering to the practices recommended by the doctor. Below you can see the treatments for heel spurs you can apply at home and other methods you can use to reduce the effect of the disease.
1. Stretching exercises
It is possible to keep the pains caused by heel spurs under control and reduce their effects with stretching exercises that concern the foot and lower leg muscles.
Thanks to stretching exercises:
- In addition to getting rid of the bad effects of heel spur disease, it will be possible to eliminate inflammation in the leg muscles.
- In addition, if you are suffering from more severe pain due to weight, you will be more likely to get rid of the pain as it will be easier to lose weight with the exercises.
2. Foot massage
Thanks to foot massage, which makes it possible to treat heel spurs at home:
- It is possible to prevent both pain and inflammation.
- If the feet are massaged regularly, the blood circulation will reach a regular level and the pressure caused by the heel spur will be eliminated.
3. Cold press
Heel spurs are a discomfort that can be reduced by ice therapy. Put the pieces of ice in a thin towel and start applying pressure to the soles of your feet with the towel.
If you wish:
- Instead of a towel, you can put a plastic bottle filled with ice under your feet and you can see the benefits of the treatment by turning the bottle and applying a cold compress.
- You need to maintain the cold compress for five minutes.
- Doing this practice a few times a day on a regular basis will reduce your complaints in the medium term.
- Take care not to apply the ice directly to the heel when cold pressing.
4. Socks and insoles
Thanks to the socks and soles specially produced for those suffering from heel spurs:
- It is possible to reduce the bad effects of the disease.
- If approved by the doctor, you can use these socks and place the soles in your shoes or slippers, you can reduce your pain and speed up your healing process.
5. Epsom salt
Another remedy for your heel spur is to treat it with a mixture of Epsom salts.
What you should do:
- Fill a large bucket or tub with hot water.
- Then add two tablespoons of Epsom salt to this water and let the salt mix into the water.
- Then put your feet in the tub or bucket filled with a mixture of water and Epsom salt. 15 minutes keep your feet there the whole time.
- If you apply the Epsom salt treatment twice a week, you will see a decrease in your complaints due to heel spurs.
6. Shock wave therapy
Thanks to the intervention with shock wave therapy to the heel spur:
- The discomfort can be almost completely eliminated in a hospital setting.
- This method, which has been used for many years to break up kidney stones, is effective in patients with heel spurs. 85% rate improvement.
How to break the heel spur with shock wave therapy?
“ESWT” used in treatment is a physical therapy method based on the use of a kind of pressure wave applied to the desired area of the body with the application head after it is produced outside the body.
Treatments are generally:
- It is held at one-week intervals and in twenty-minute sessions.
- Surgical intervention, drugs or anesthesia are not used in shock wave therapy, and it is stated that the probability of recurrence of the disease is very low if successful.
- If the treatment is started early, the probability of success is quite high, while the treatment 3-5 sessions expected to last.
What Is Good For Heel Spurs?
Apart from the treatment methods we have explained above, some herbal methods are also important aids in reducing the effects of heel spur disease and accelerating the treatment process.
1. Turmeric
One of the most important natural resources for heel spur herbal treatment is turmeric.
Preparation and consumption:
- You can add a teaspoon of turmeric to a cup of milk and heat it on low heat, then add some honey and drink the mixture every night before going to bed.
2. Ginger
Preparation and consumption:
- As you can use ginger in your meals, grate a tablespoon of ginger and add it to a cup of water.
- After a few minutes of boiling, brew the mixture and drink it, provided that it does not cool too much.
- This mix is daily 2-3 times It will be more beneficial if you consume it.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Preparation and consumption:
- A teaspoon of honey into a glass of hot water,
- And add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Mix the ingredients in the glass and drink it several times a day.
- If you wish, you can get a similar benefit by putting two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a bucket of water and soaking your feet in the water twice a day.
4. Paprika
Red pepper powder, which should not be applied on inflamed or injured skin:
- Add half a bucket of hot water and soak your feet in this water for ten minutes several times a day.