Bone Spurs
Natural Remedies

  1. Home
  2. Ailments

Bone Spurs - Editor's Choice

| Modified on Dec 27, 2025
Add New Post Comments
Apple Cider Vinegar

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are extra bone growths that develop along the edges of bones, often where bones meet at joints. While many bone spurs cause no symptoms, others can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, or nerve irritation—especially when they press against nearby tissues.

Bone spurs commonly form in the spine, shoulders, hips, knees, hands, and feet. Conventional care often focuses on pain management, but many people turn to natural remedies to help ease inflammation, improve mobility, and support joint comfort.

Quick note: Natural remedies may help relieve symptoms associated with bone spurs, but they do not physically remove bone growths. Results vary depending on location, severity, and underlying joint conditions.

What Causes Bone Spurs?

Bone spurs usually develop as part of the body’s response to ongoing stress or inflammation. Common contributing factors include:

  • Osteoarthritis and chronic joint inflammation
  • Long-term wear and tear on joints
  • Repetitive motion or overuse injuries
  • Excess mechanical stress from obesity or poor posture
  • Aging and natural joint degeneration

Natural Remedies That May Help with Bone Spur Discomfort

1. Ginger

Why people use it: Ginger contains natural compounds that may help calm inflammation and improve circulation, which can reduce pain and stiffness around affected joints.

Common uses:

  • 500 mg ginger extract, up to 3 times daily
  • Fresh ginger tea (steep sliced ginger in hot water)
  • Topical ginger oil massage for sore joints

2. Turmeric

Why people use it: Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, is widely studied for its role in supporting the body’s inflammatory response.

Common uses:

  • 400–600 mg turmeric extract, up to 3 times daily
  • Added to soups, smoothies, or warm milk
  • Mixed with coconut oil as a topical paste

3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Why people use it: ACV is traditionally used to support mineral balance and reduce joint discomfort. Some people believe it helps with stiffness related to calcium buildup.

Common uses:

  • 1 tablespoon ACV in water, once or twice daily
  • Diluted ACV compress applied for 15–20 minutes

4. Castor Oil

Why people use it: Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid and is commonly used in traditional remedies to support circulation and soothe inflamed tissues.

Common uses:

  • Gently massage warm castor oil into the affected area
  • Apply a warm compress after application

Additional Natural Support Options

5. Massage Therapy

Potential benefits: Massage may help relax surrounding muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce tension caused by altered joint mechanics.

  • Use gentle pressure around (not directly on) painful areas
  • Essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus may add comfort

6. Epsom Salt Baths

Potential benefits: Epsom salt provides magnesium, which may help muscles relax and reduce soreness.

  • Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to warm bathwater
  • Soak for 20 minutes, several times per week

7. Proper Footwear and Joint Support

Why it matters: Reducing mechanical stress can help prevent worsening pain—especially for bone spurs in the feet or spine.

  • Choose supportive, cushioned shoes
  • Use orthotics or arch supports if recommended
  • Avoid prolonged pressure or high-impact activities

What Earth Clinic Readers and Other Users Say

Earth Clinic readers frequently share that natural approaches work best when used consistently and in combination, rather than as a single solution.

  • Many readers report reduced pain and stiffness with castor oil packs used nightly.
  • Others find that turmeric and ginger help ease morning stiffness when taken regularly.
  • Several users note that ACV appears most helpful when paired with dietary changes and improved hydration.
  • Foot bone spur sufferers often emphasize the importance of supportive footwear alongside home remedies.

Common theme: Readers frequently say symptom relief improves when inflammation is addressed systemically (diet, supplements) and mechanically (support, posture, reduced strain).

When to See a Doctor

Natural remedies may help manage discomfort, but medical evaluation is important if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness
  • Restricted joint movement
  • Swelling, redness, or signs of nerve compression

Final Thoughts

Bone spurs are a common part of joint degeneration, but their symptoms can often be managed. Natural remedies such as ginger, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, and castor oil—along with lifestyle adjustments like massage, Epsom salt baths, and proper support—may help reduce discomfort and improve quality of life.

Because bone spurs often reflect deeper joint issues, a balanced approach that includes both symptom relief and long-term joint care tends to offer the best results.

Have you found relief from bone spurs using natural remedies? Share what worked for you below to help others learn from your experience.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Sort by Default New Loved

Castor Oil

Posted by Gary (Kitchener On) on 01/29/2022
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Hi,

The best results to remove Bone Spurs

is Castor Oil .. put Oil on a small cloth and cover with plastic and apply heating pad for 1-2 hours, a few days of doing this it should be gone.

It is a Blessing Oil..check it out

Gary

DMSO

Posted by Raindear (Pahrump, Nv) on 01/17/2021
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

About a month ago I closed my right hand into a fist and saw I had a lump the size of a pea on my index finger knuckle. My husband suggested it might be a bone spur. I started putting DMSO on it. I used the DMSO about four times over a week or 10 days. I noticed that the lump was shrinking about 4 days into the treatment. It is now almost gone. I am so excited that I just had to share.

Castor Oil

Posted by Janet (Lagrange, Ky) on 08/03/2018
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I used castor oil on my feet at night to get rid of bone spurs on the bottom of my feet. After showering I rubbed a generous amount of castor oil on my feet put on socks and slept with them on all night for about 1 month. The bone spurs are gone and my feet feel so much better. I recommend that to anyone with aching feet. It works.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Karen (California) on 07/19/2016
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have tried soaking an ace bandage in apple cider vinegar for a bone spur. Put in plastic bag overnight and my foot by next morning my area that was very swollen had almost gone down to normal. I was diagnosed with bone heel spur and calcification and Dr.wanted to do surgery and sever my tendon. No way. PLEASE try the vinegar and overnight and maybe a few times. It works. Believe me.

Diatomaceous Earth

Posted by Lisa (Texas) on 03/17/2015
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

For bone spurs, try taking 1 1/2 tablespoons of food grade Diatomaceous Earth every morning and late afternoon. DE boosts your energy levels and can keep some people awake when you should be sleeping.

My bone spur is gone from my right heel, and the neuropathy, which developed after having a bone spur surgically removed from my left foot, is completely gone.

The arthritis in my ankles and wrist has subsided, as well.

I bought mine from a Farm Store and paid $20 for a 10 pound bag, which should last me 8 months. Good Luck...

Gelatin

Posted by Suzi (Belize) on 11/18/2014
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Has anyone ever heard of using Knox gelatin to get rid of bone spurs? My mother used it several times and once I had them and it worked. I don't remember the amount though.

Plumbing Washer

Posted by Ross (New York, US) on 09/05/2014
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Heel spurs are the easiest to remove and I mean remove. No operation needed. Just get a plumbing washer that fits comfortable, tape it to your heal exactly centered to the bone spur with duct tape.

Pain will be gone, and you will feel just a mild discomfort. After about two weeks (the more you walk or run the faster the results) you will see a white spot in the middle of the washer. Walk another couple of days just to be sure, then remove the washer, get a good sterilized needle, go into the white spot (you will hardly feel anything) about half inch and come out. Now squeeze the entire heel moving toward the center of the white spot and out comes the calcium that was misdirected because you did not take enough magnesium and vitamin K.

Enzymes

Posted by Chopper (Columbus, Ohio/usa) on 12/26/2012
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I worked in a health food store and the herbalist there always suggested enzymes for bone spurs, catch is you have to have a powerful protolectic type and you have to take 2-3 on and EMPTY stomach so they work thru-out your system and not on your food but you have to take 12-16 a day for a month or two and it will dissolve the spur where ever it is. Several customers came back in and said within a week they had relief from pain.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by JO ANN (CLEARWATER, FLORIDA) on 07/23/2005
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have been very sick for 14 years, with arthritis and severe bone spurs. Last month a lady heard about my sickness and gave me this recipe. 1-64 oz.pure apple juice, 1-64 oz.pure grape juice. 1 cup apple cider vinegar. Mix well, place in your refrigerator, drink 1/3 cup of mixture 3 times a day. I was also told to take 250 mg. Magnesium oxide ,(this promotes bone and muscle health, and 250 mg.super b-complex. Take as instructed on bottle.

Good luck!


Advertisement

Please note that we use cookies necessary for the functioning of our website, cookies that optimize the performance. To learn more about our cookies, how we use them and their benefits, please read our Privacy Policy