How to Treat Bone Spurs in the Feet

Bone spurs are simply calcium deposits. They are often not painful; you may not even notice they're there. When pain does occur, it is a result of the bone spur causing pressure on a nerve or a bone. In most cases, they can be treated at home using simple and inexpensive remedies. If a bone spur in the foot is giving you difficulty in walking, however, you may choose to consult with a doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Heating pad
• Anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen)
• Curcumin (supplement)

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Instructions

How to Treat Bone Spurs in the Feet

• 1

  For bone spurs that are not painful, simply resting and applying ice and heat alternately to the area may be enough to treat the bone spur. You may also take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, as directed by the label.

• 2

  If resting, heating, and icing are insufficient, try using extra padding in your shoes, such as orthotics (shoe inserts). There are many varieties of over-the-counter orthotics, and they are easy to insert into your shoe.

• 3

  Gently stretch the muscles in your lower leg and foot by standing with just your toes on a step, then lower yourself gradually. You can also sit on the floor, leg extended, and grasp your toes, pulling them gently toward your body to stretch the affected area.

• 4

  In addition to stretching, massage the area to stimulate blood flow and reduce pain. Massage the area gently in a circular motion.

• 5

  If these traditional methods fail, you may try some alternative treatments, such as curcumin. Try taking between 500 mg and 1000 mg of curcumin three times daily (on an empty stomach). Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties which may help to soothe the area.

• 6

  When at-home remedies fail, consult with your doctor. He or she may give you cortisone injections to relieve pain and inflammation. Additionally, surgery is a serious option and is not often necessary, but it is another possibility to be discussed with your doctor.