Calcaneal spur, also called a heel spur, is a bony projection from the calcaneus (heel bone). The outgrown bone often causes no symptoms but it can be very painful. Heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and Achilles tendinitis.
Bone foot spurs are often caused by repetitive impact injury to the heel, such as from running or dancing. Heel spur treatment typically involves wearing special shoes or inserts and doing stretching exercises. However, these measures are not always sufficient for a complete healing and fast recovery.
Ayurveda offers effective holistic treatment to dissolve heel spurs naturally. Depending on the location and extent of growth, you will be prescribed with specific herbal medicines, diet & lifestyle changes and or physical therapies for pain reduction and removal of the spurs.
What is a Calcaneal Spur?
Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are bony outgrowths that form along the edges of bones. They can occur in any joint in the body, but are most commonly found in the spine, hips, knees, and shoulders. Bone spurs are often caused by arthritis or repetitive motion. While they are not typically painful, they can cause joint stiffness and loss of range of motion.
A calcaneal spur is a bone spur or a bony outgrowth due to build up of calcium deposit on the calcaneus, the heel bone. Calcium deposition takes place beneath this bone when it is pressed with steady pressure, and if the pressure is maintained, the deposit takes the form of a spur. The resulting growth can cause pain and tenderness in the heel.
Types of Calcaneal Spur
There are two types of calcaneal spurs:
- the dorsal heel spur: It is located at the back of the heel and is often associated with Achilles Tendon
- the plantar heel spur: It is located under the sole and usually happens due to Plantar Fasciitis
Symptoms of Calcaneal Spur
– Painful Heel region that is worse in the morning or after activity
– Foot Pain that increases over time
– Heel pain with walking, running, or other impact activities such as standing for long periods of time
– The pain usually improves with rest
– Swelling and/or redness in the heel area
– Heel pain that is worse with shoes that do not fit well or support the heel
– Chronic Heel pain that is worse after changing shoes or activities
– Severe pain that does not improve with over-the-counter treatments such as ibuprofen or ice.
Diagnosis for Calcaneal Spur
A calcaneal spur is diagnosed with a medical history and physical examination. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Bone spur are often seen on X-rays of people with heel pain, but they can also be found in people without heel pain.
If you have heel pain, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He or she will examine your foot and watch you walk. Your doctor may order an X-ray of your foot to look for a heel spur.
You may not need treatment for a heel spur as it often goes away with time. However, if heel pain persists or if it gets worse even after necessary changes, you may need medical treatment.
Causes of Calcaneal Spur
There are a number of things that can cause or contribute to the development of heel spurs. Heel spurs are most often seen in people who have a history of repetitive impact injury to the heel, such as from running, dancing or due to extended hours spent on uneven surface. Other causes include:
– Obesity: Carrying extra weight can put added stress on the heels and lead to the development of spurs.
– Poorly fitting shoes: Wearing shoes that do not support the heel can also lead to the development of heel spurs.
– Arthritis: Heel spurs can also be caused by arthritis, particularly in those suffering from Achilles tendonitis or Plantar fasciitis.
– Structural deformity: Heel spurs can also be caused by a heel bone that is not properly formed.
Medical treatment for Heel Spurs
– Heel pads or cups: These insert into your shoe to help cushion your heel and take pressure off of the spur.
– Heel lift: A heel lift is a small piece of padded material that fits into the back of your shoe. It can be glued or taped to the heel area.
– Exercises: Heel stretching exercises and calf muscle stretches help relax the muscles and tendons around your spur and heel.
– Physical therapy: Ultrasound therapy or electrical stimulation are two types of physical therapy that can reduce pain and swelling.
– Surgery: If other treatments do not work, you may need surgery to remove the spur. Heel spur surgery is a last resort.
If you are suffering from heel pain, it is important to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
Ayurvedic Perspective of Calcaneal Spur
Heel spurs and excessive growth arises as a result of vata kapha dosha imbalance in the body. Involvement of pitta dosha leads to presence of burning sensation and inflammation in the heel area. Calcaneal spurs can be related to vata kantaka or pada kantaka, meaning pricking pain that results from aggravated vata dosha.
Ayurvedic medicine is very effective in treating heel spurs. Ayurveda treatment involves a holistic approach to medicine that focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit.
Heel spur treatment in Ayurveda involves herbal medicines, external therapies and massages. These treatments help to balance the vata dosha and reduce the symptoms of pain and inflammation.
In addition, diet and lifestyle practices that prevent formation of bone spurs and balance vata kapha dosha are suggested by Ayurvedic doctors to prevent recurrence. However, it is always best to consult with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner, who can tailor a treatment plan specific to your condition.
Ayurvedic Herbs and Medicines for treatment of Calcaneal Spur
There are a number of Ayurvedic herbs and medicines that can be used to treat heel spurs. Some of these include:
– Ashwagandha: This herb is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and pain. It also helps to reduce stress and balance the hormones, which can further boost weight loss.
– Turmeric: It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce pain and swelling. Turmeric also helps to promote healing by stimulating the production of collagen.
– Ginger: It helps to reduce inflammation and pain by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory compounds. Ginger also helps to improve circulation, which can speed up the healing process.
– Guggul: Guggul is an Ayurvedic resin that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of heel spurs. It specifically acts on excessive unwanted tissues developed due to Kapha dosha imbalance, thus helps to reduce and remove the growths as cysts, tumors and heel spur.
– Nirgundi: Nirgundi is an Ayurvedic herb that has been shown to support the health of muscles and bone tissues in the body. It pacifies vata dosha, thus reducing irregular growth and pricking pain due to the bone spur.
– Mahayogaraj Guggulu: This Ayurvedic medicine is a formulation of Guggul and other herbs that is effective in reducing inflammation and excessive growth in the body.
– Chandraprabha Vati: This Ayurvedic medicine is a formulation of herbs that is effective in reducing inflammation in the body.
If you are suffering from heel spurs, it is important to see an Ayurvedic doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Ayurvedic lifestyle tips to prevent & treat Calcaneal Spur
There are a number of Ayurvedic lifestyle tips that can help prevent and treat heel spurs. Some of these include:
– Wearing supportive shoes: It is important to wear shoes that provide adequate support to the heels and arch of the foot. This helps to reduce stress on the heel bone and prevent the formation of heel spurs.
– Maintaining a healthy weight: Carrying extra weight can put added stress on the heels and lead to the development of heel spurs. Maintaining a healthy weight helps to reduce this stress and prevent spur formation.
– Exercising regularly: Regular exercise helps to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the heel bone and prevent the formation of heel spurs.
– Stretching the calf muscles: Heel stretches and calf muscle stretches help to relax the foot muscle and connective tissue around the spur. This can significantly reduce pain and inflammation.
– Practicing yoga: Yoga helps to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons around the heel bone, which can help prevent the formation of heel spurs.
– Healthy Diet: A healthy diet is important for overall health and can help prevent the formation of heel spurs. Include plenty of anti-inflammatory foods such as berries, nuts, seeds, fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein in your diet. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.
– (Abhyanga) Ayurvedic Massage: Abhyanga is a form of deep tissue massage that uses warm oil to promote circulation and reduce inflammation. It is a great way to reduce stress and tension in the muscles and tendons around the heel. This can help to prevent the formation of heel spurs and also relieve from foot problems in future.
Takeaway
Heel spurs are a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort. While there are a variety of treatments available, many patients find lasting relief with Ayurvedic medicine.
If you are interested in trying Ayurveda medicine for your condition, you can consult with Medhya’s Ayurvedic Doctor to get your personalised health plan. Along with Ayurvedic treatment, our Ayurvedic doctors will also assist you to figure out the best diet and foods to take and which meals to avoid to regain strength and better health.
FAQ
1. How do you dissolve bone spurs naturally?
There are several Ayurvedic treatment that can help to dissolve bone spurs naturally. One option is to apply a paste of ginger, turmeric, and honey to the affected area. Another is to drink a concoction of one tablespoon each of lime juice and apple cider vinegar mixed with two cups of water on an empty stomach every morning. You can also try taking supplements such as calcium and Vitamin D3 to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of future bone spurs. With patience and persistence, these natural remedies can help to dissolve bone spurs and improve your quality of life.
2. Can too much calcium cause bone spurs?
Too much calcium in the diet can lead to a buildup of calcium deposits in the body, including in the bones and joints. This can eventually lead to the formation of bone spurs, which are small, pointy growths that can cause pain and difficulty moving. In Ayurvedic medicine, we believe that the best way to avoid this problem is to maintain a healthy balance of calcium in the body. We recommend getting calcium from natural sources such as dairy products, dark leafy greens, and nuts, rather than from supplements. By following this advice, you can help keep your bones healthy and prevent the formation of bone spurs.
3. What is the fastest way to heal a heel spur?
The fastest way to heal a heel spur is with the help of Ayurveda. One of the most commonly used herbs in Ayurveda is turmeric. Another effective herb for treating heel spurs is ginger.To use these herbs, simply add them to your foods or drinks. You can also take them in capsule form or as a tea.
3. Is walking good for heel spurs?
Walking is a great exercise for heel spurs. It helps to stretch the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, which can help to ease pain and prevent further damage. Walking also helps to increase blood flow to the area, which can speed up healing. Additionally, walking on soft surfaces such as grass or sand can help to minimize impact on the heels. However, it is important to walk with caution and avoid high-impact activities such as running or jumping, as these can exacerbate heel pain. If you are experiencing severe pain, it is best to consult a doctor or physiotherapist for guidance. With proper care and treatment, heel spurs can be managed and healed.
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