Heel spur: causes, symptoms and natural remedies

A heel spur, medically known as plantar fasciitis, is a common and often serious condition involving inflammation of the foot ligaments and/or tendons. As a result, bony growths form on the heel bone, which can grow large enough to press into the surrounding soft tissue, causing sharp pain and discomfort while walking.

Interestingly, heel spurs do not always cause noticeable symptoms. In some cases, they are discovered accidentally during an X-ray or other medical examination. Still, this condition doesn’t resolve on its own and requires treatment – both with pharmaceutical drugs and natural remedies. In fact, many people find that home treatments for heel spurs are more effective than over-the-counter creams or medications.

What causes a heel spur?

A heel spur, medically known as plantar fasciitis, is a common and often serious condition involving inflammation of the foot ligaments and/or tendons. As a result, bony growths form on the heel bone, which can grow large enough to press into the surrounding soft tissue, causing sharp pain and discomfort while walking.

Interestingly, heel spurs do not always cause noticeable symptoms. In some cases, they are discovered accidentally during an X-ray or other medical examination. Still, this condition doesn’t resolve on its own and requires treatment – both with pharmaceutical drugs and natural remedies. In fact, many people find that home treatments for heel spurs are more effective than over-the-counter creams or medications.

What causes a heel spur?

Most people diagnosed with plantar fasciitis are women. One likely cause is prolonged or frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes. Other common causes of heel spur development include:

• Mechanical injuries to the ankle (sprains, dislocations, fractures, etc.);
• Flat feet;
• Inflammatory joint conditions such as arthritis, arthrosis, or gout;
• Diabetes (plantar fasciitis is a symptom of diabetic foot syndrome);
• Age-related degeneration of the musculoskeletal system;
• Tissue changes caused by infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea, especially if untreated or undiagnosed;

The most common symptom is sharp heel pain, which worsens when stepping or placing weight on the affected foot. People often describe the sensation as if a nail were driven into the heel. In advanced cases, the back of the foot may become swollen, red, and deformed, making it difficult to wear regular shoes or boots with a firm back.

How to treat plantar fasciitis naturally

The best results in heel spur treatment are achieved through a comprehensive approach. To reduce pressure on the affected area, wear orthopedic insoles (available at pharmacies), massage your feet regularly, and take anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed by your doctor.

For faster relief from heel spur pain, try this natural home remedy – a healing ointment made from vegetable oil. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil;
• 1 tablespoon of 7% vinegar (or ¾ tbsp of 9% vinegar);
• 1 raw egg (with shell);

Wash the egg and place it (with shell) in a glass container. Pour in the vinegar and leave the mixture for 4–5 days until the shell completely dissolves. Remove the inner film from the egg, add the oil, and mix until smooth. Apply the mixture to the heel area before bed each night. Cover with gauze, wrap gently, and wear a cotton sock. Treatment lasts for 2 weeks, although many notice improvement after 7–8 days. In severe cases, the treatment can be repeated after a 14–15 day break.

Store the ointment in the refrigerator and use within 5 days. If there are open wounds or cracks on the sole, avoid this treatment due to the vinegar content.

For those allergic to sunflower oil, substitute with corn, flaxseed, or pumpkin oil. The quality of the oil greatly influences the effectiveness of the remedy.

Organic and 100% natural oils by TM CraftOil – the ideal base for homemade remedies

CraftOil produces not just flavorful and aromatic, but also therapeutic, cold-pressed oils ideal for natural treatments. The product line includes: flaxseed oil rich in omega-3, black cumin oil containing phytoncides, sunflower oil, corn oil, milk thistle oil and more.

CraftOil oils are pressed on certified equipment using premium seeds, grains, and nuts. They never come into contact with metal, are protected from oxidation, and contain no additives or chemicals. These are truly «living oils» – perfect for health, beauty and well-being.

Want to cold-press your own oils at home? At CraftOil, you can also buy a press and order seeds like black cumin, poppy, sunflower, or amaranth. Have questions or want to know which oil to try first? Our expert consultants are here to help – just submit a request on our website!