Natural Way to Heal a Bone Spur on the Heel

Bone spurs are caused by growths on the bone, usually by excess calcium deposits. These are usually painful wherever they occur on bones in the body, but are especially painful when located on the heel, as weight is constantly put on the heel and these spurs dig into the skin and nerves around them. While you can have these bone spurs removed with minor surgery, this is painful and expensive and also keeps you off your feet while it heals. There are some natural ways to remove bone spurs that are efficient.

Heel Spur Exercises

• Heel spur stretching exercises allow you to do two things: strengthen the plantar fascia and surrounding tissue and keeps the fascia and other tendons, like the Achilles, flexible. Each of these exercises will help lessen the severity of heel pain, which will help to prevent further occurrences of this condition.

  Stretching exercises entail placing your hands against the wall and putting all your weight on your heels with a straight leg; bend your knees and stretch the Achilles tendon, while putting pressure on the heel. Holding these exercises for 10 seconds and do 20 times in a row.

Hot Linseed Oil Packets

• Linseed oil packets are an herbal way to heal bone spurs. Pour linseed oil into a pan and heat it but do not boil it. Dip a piece of cheesecloth or other white cotton material into the oil until the cloth is saturated. Then apply the cloth to the affected area and cover it with a piece of plastic that is larger in size than the cotton cloth. Place a heating pad over the plastic and use it to keep the pack warm. Keep the pack in place for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, as needed. This will reduce swelling and not only soften the foot itself but also the bone spurs themselves.

Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

• Many herbs have anti-inflammatory properties that can be taken to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling of the foot due to bone spurs.

  Curcumin is a spice found in turmeric and helps reduce swelling. About 400 to 600 milligrams should be taken every day. The herb white willow bark extract has anti-inflammatory properties. The natural herb bromelain contains anti-inflammatory enzymes that have been proven to suppress inflammation and pain.

  Once these natural remedies have helped to effectively cure a bone spur, it's important to wear shoes with proper supports or inserts to keep the spurs from returning.