Home Remedy for Bone Spurs on the Heel

Bone spurs on the heel can be quite painful and interfere with daily activities. A bone spur is a hook of bone that grows where it shouldn't grow. These are often found on the heel. Sometimes, doctors recommend surgery to get rid of bone spurs; however, surgery doesn't always cure the problem. Instead, it's often better to apply a home remedy for bone spurs.

Reduce Inflammation

• The remedy for heel bone spurs is to reduce inflammation, and there are several things you should consider when trying to accomplish this goal. This is done by removing irritants and allowing the area to rest. When inflammation is decreased, bone spurs usually stop growing and are able to heal. Reducing inflammation to the spur is simple if you know what to do.

  If you are involved in activities that aggravate the bone spur, take a break to reduce inflammation. For instance, if you normally jog in the mornings but the jogging irritates your bone spur, try swimming for a few weeks instead. Swimming is excellent for reducing inflammation to your bone spur because your feet don't bear any weight while you exercise. The cool water also seems to help sooth the sore spot.

  One of the worst contributors to inflammation around a bone spur is stiff shoes. Consider wearing backless clogs or sandals when your bone spur is feeling irritated. When you buy shoes, look for styles with soft materials, especially in the heel area. Try gel heel cups to see if they relieve pain and pressure. Gel heel cups are shoe inserts that provide a soft barrier between your heel and your shoe. You can find them at drug stores. Customized insoles can also provide relief by settling your foot into a more-comfortable position. You can buy generic insoles that fit into your shoes, or you can visit a podiatrist who can customize insoles especially for your feet and your bone spur.

  Just as swimming in cool water reduces inflammation, spending 10 to 15 minutes icing your bone spur at the end of the day will also help. Elevate your foot, but don't put weight on your heel. Try turning your foot sideways with the ice next to your heel. You don't want to rest your heel on the ice because the hardness of the ice may cause pain around the bone spur.

  For times of acute pain, anti-inflammatory medication will help. You shouldn't count on these medications for long-term relief, but they can help at the end of an especially busy and painful day.