Apple Cider Vinegar

I have been taking apple cider vinegar for 3 months to help with arthritis and bone spurs in my hip. The pain just seems to be worse than before I started. I was wondering I'm just “detoxing” for 3 months or is Apple Cider Vinegar not the thing for me??? Is it true that it can be too acidic for my body? I thought it was to help me and that it is an alkaline ph. I'm just confused. Thank you in advance for any comments you may write to help me.
Apple Cider Vinegar

I have a bone spur on my big toe. Not much pain but it's no longer flexible like it was. When I try to bend it when I walk that's when I feel a burning pain. Been using Organic ACV with the mother. One tbsp in the morning and one at night. I've been doing this less than a week so haven't noticed anything different so far. Also, just started with Magnesium powder. I've read about boron/borax but seems like it's important to get the magnesium levels up in the body before taking boron, but keeping it in mind. Any advice would be appreciated!
Apple Cider Vinegar

I had been dealing with debilitating knee issues and I thought the cause was scar tissue. so I went to an orthopedist where, of course, knee replacement surgery was recommended. I did not like the answer, so I bought some tools to work the scar tissue away, but problems ensued. After more research, I realized the pain was caused by osteophytes or, bone spurs.
More research suggested apple cider vinegar may have some benefits in dissolving of the calcium build up. I still had nearly a full bottle so I began taking 1-2 table spoons full each morn a week ago, and I am quite pleased with the results thus far.
Of course the BIG arthritis foundations call it a myth and suggest, you guessed it, FDA approved pharmaceutical medications.
Hey Frank,
I know you said you're taking one to two tablespoons each morning for a week and I do one teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon and almost 2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger root, so I do the Apple cider vinegar on its own and I do the other ingredients I mentioned in a tea. I've been doing that for probably very steadily 2 months possibly longer and I do think that the bone spurs in my neck are improving. The reason I say that is I haven't had them bother me and sometimes I think if things are getting better I kind of forget about them but I was glad to see your post because it reminded me that I've been taking those things quite a while.
(us)
09/13/2022
In the US they label Cassia as 'cinnamon'. Dismayed to see 'cinnamon' aka Cassia encapsulated & sold as a supplement. Liver damage be damned. True cinnamon doesn't damage the liver when used medicinally. True Cinnamon farmers in Sri Lanka sell freshly harvested sticks on etsy & ebay. I buy mine from Distacart with other Ayurvedic remedies. You probably already know this BUT when someone says, they take 'cinnamon' medicinally, I feel the need, to speak up about liver damage. Thank you.
Apple Cider Vinegar

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.
(Mesa, Az)
10/28/2016
I was so happy to see your post, I'v seen several like it, so figured I'd try it. Lol... I left on socks soaked in raw apple cider vinegar and tied grocery bags around them. 4 hours later I awoke and took everything off to notice my feet were in a rash... was I suppose to dilute the vinegar?
(Tennessee)
10/29/2016
My husband gets a rash if he uses apple cider vinegar straight as well.
Yes, dilute if you want to try it again, or just use the apple cider vinegar internally as a daily tonic. 1 Tablespoon in a glass of water once or twice a day. Might not work as quickly, but it does help many.
~Mama to Many~
(Illinois)
04/06/2021
Hello Mama to Many,
For the past three days, I have severe pain in the left side bone of my left foot, and sometimes even my big tow is hurting. There is no pain the entire day but by end of the day, it is hurting making me difficult to walk. It started the day I did some yoga for feet, watching a video. I just did it because now during summer I have lot of work in my vegetable patch and I also go for long walks. So I thought I should make my feet stronger. My knees have been hurting since 5 years and when I started taking ACV, my knee pain vanished. but since everyone around me started telling me that I lost a lot of weight and the skin on my face also started becoming loose, and some said I am looking older than the older people around me. So I stopped taking Apple Cider Vinegar for the past couple of months. and my knees were also fine. But now knee plus bone in my feet are hurting. But it happens only by the end of the day.
Please suggest some remedy as you have always been suggesting very good remedies for my health problems and also for so many readers you have been helping.
(Mechanic Falls Maine)
09/07/2017
(TN)
04/08/2021
Dear Sandy,
A neighbor introduced me to a salve that I have been using for everything! It has comfrey root in it, which I think it why it is so helpful. I have been using it on my hip bones when my bursitis flares up. I used it on my son's knee that he injured falling out of a tree, and on my toe that I dislocated. It has been helpful for all.
Have you ever tried the borax protocol?
And, of course there is always castor oil to massage into the feet and knees at bedtime.
Epsom salt baths at the end of the day might also be helpful and a nice reward for your walking and gardening.
Do you have good shoes? A supportive comfortable shoe is important.
I hope you will find one or more of these helpful! Keep me posted!
~Mama to Many~
(London, UK)
01/29/2022
I have got bone spurs at the top of my thigh close to my groin area causing me a lot of pain whenever I am lying down or sitting. The bone spurs were spotted on an x-ray I recently had.
Is it possible to mix DMSO with apple cider vinegar and wet a cloth with the mixture which I will then place on the painful area for a couple of hours? I'm not really sure how I will keep the cloth in place but I'm sure there must be a way.
(Kitchener On)
01/29/2022
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
Apple Cider Vinegar

I have a bone spur and walking had become really painful, especially when I woke up in the morning. I tried vinegar and it worked.
I soaked a washcloth in apple cider vinegar, wrapped it around my heel and put my foot in a gallon sized food storage bag. My husband thought I was crazy. I kept the bag and washcloth on my foot for about two hours (while I watched TV) for three evenings. My foot feels so much better. It's not perfect, but so much better. I can walk again without pain. I don't know how it works, but it does. I am going to keep using it until there is absolutely no discomfort at all.
Apple Cider Vinegar

I had to hop on here and let you know that ACV has helped my bone spur (maybe even eliminated it?) pain 100%. I had plantar fasciitis for a year, which then created a bone spur. Through physical therapy, I feel that the fasciitis is finally gone, but the spur remained and caused a new, different kind of pain. I'm a ballet teacher and really didn't want to have surgery, because it would put me out of commission for two months. In desperation, I did a google search, found this website, and, nervous about drinking ACV, applied it topically.
I have one of those foot braces that keeps your foot flexed while you sleep, which turned out to be perfect. I would soak a washcloth in ACV, ring it out, and wrap it around the base of my heel. Then I tied a grocery bag around it (it reeks. You gotta contain the smell...)Then put my foot brace over the top of the bag. Then tied a handkerchief over the outside of the heel to keep it pressed right against the skin all night. The next morning, I could walk with zero pain. It got sore as the day progressed, but not nearly as bad as usual. I've been doing it for a week now and it has been amazing. I can dance and jump and turn with my students again. So grateful for this site and the reviews people have given. Now I have a pulled tendon on my other foot and found that ACV works for that, too. Thank goodness for ACV.
(Lansing)
10/15/2014

(Greer, Sc)
08/15/2015
How do I use this for bone spurs in my shoulder?
(Woodstock, Ga)
12/26/2016
Apple Cider Vinegar

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!
(Denver, CO)
05/28/2009
Hi Jo Ann, This Apple Cider Vinegar recipe that was given to you, did it work in clearing up your bone spurs or are you still having problems? Also if you got results how long did you take it?
(Massapequa, New York)
05/11/2010
I am very curious to find out if the apple cider vinegar recipe helped your bone spur. I myself suffer with a bone spur on the back of my heal near my achiles tendon. I have been to dr. that say there is no way to treat because of the location. For some releif I was told to try gel pad in my shoes. This really does not help much. I am in alot of pain constantly. I am finding it very hard to walk. Please let me know asap. Thanks
(Sugarcreek, Ohio)
05/30/2010
In response to the person who had a heel spur on the back of the heel I have THE answer. I went to a Chiropractic physician whom I told I had the problem (didn't actually know what it was-but painful). This particular doctor treated me with ultra-sound and it was gone THAT DAY! He treated it as part of my routine visit. It was painless (just warmth) and far from a surgical treatment which I hear usually fails. Not all naturopathic or chiropractic offices might do this so please check around. My help came from the Fedorko Chiropractic Clinic in Canton, Ohio. Contact to see if there is a similar situation in your area. Good luck! Linda
(Peoria, Il)
07/21/2010

Apple cider vinegar DOES work for heel spurs. You don't drink it. Before you go to bed wet a cotton ball with ACV and rub it over your entire foot and let it dry. My chiropractor gave me this remedy. I could not even put my foot down on the floor in the morning without excruciating pain. The first morning after using it I could not only step down on my foot but I could walk across the floor. There was still some pain- comparable to the pain/discomfort you have at the end of the day after walking on it. Believe me- THIS WORKS!!!
(Casselman, Ontario)
05/23/2011
(Bloomfield, Nm)
05/26/2011
Please let us know if rubbing the Apple Cider Vinegar works. I am due @ the Dr.on Tues. To decide what to do with mine. Dr. recommends surgery which I absolutely DO NOT want! I have been suffering for over a year and will literally try anything right now to keep away from surgery.
(Carmel In)
02/23/2016
Apple Cider Vinegar works! Good Luck
There are a lot of things you can try. I hope the doctor you went to was a podiatrist. You don't need surgery. There are stretching exercises.. the doctor should know this but the trick is to hold each stretch for 30 seconds with 3 repeats of 10 morning and night.
Then order silicone orthotic pads from Target or Walmart (5.99) (Dr Scholls) They are arch pads (not the whole foot) and you put them in each shoe. You only need 1 pr as you can remove them nightly and change shoes. This supports your arch and relieves the pressure on the heel.
Then there is ultra sound. Podiatrists have this.. No pain. It worked once for me but not the second time.
Never walk barefoot again, and make sure the silicone pads are even in slippers. A block heeled shoe at least 1 or 1 1/2 inches high helps in the beginning take pressure off the heel. But keep using the silicone for life. Then try taking boswellia or tumeric for the inflammation. Its the inflammation that is causing the pain. No one told me this trick.. I learned it from trying it on my sore back and it works.
Forget surgery!
(Corpus Christi, Texas)
03/04/2012
I read somewhere on the internet that if you rub the foot that has the spurs with the vinegar before going to sleep it helps, going to try this tonight myself, also I have on order hydrangea root and burdock root together, it's in pill form, 1-2 pills 3 times a day, forget the time span, but you take this and it gets rid of the spur not just the pain!
(Marysville, Michigan)
04/20/2012
If ACV can be rubbed on heel spurs, will it help with neck spurs too?
(Brighton, Uk)
10/05/2012
(Columbus, Ohio/usa)
12/26/2012
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.
(Ahmedabad, India)
07/28/2013
Will it [apple cider vinigar] work with my lower spine bone spur with acute nerve pinch for both legs? Then how to use it for me. Thanks
(Talkeetna, Ak)
06/10/2014
As I read so many of you saying "let me know if it works.." I wonder why you don't just try it and see if it does work for you.
(London)
05/15/2015
(Tennessee)
05/15/2015
(New York)
08/13/2015
(Tennessee)
08/14/2015
(Ardmore Okla)
08/03/2017
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda

I had bone spurs in neck and both sides of spine between shoulders, upper spine. Chiropractor said he could no longer adjust me. I searched and found ACV and baking soda. I take every day, 2 or 3 times. First thing in morning. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1 to 2 tablespoons of Organic ACV with the mother and then ad 6 Oz water and drink it. I also ad 1/4 teaspoon sea salt at night and helps me sleep. The spurs are gone. My back can be adjusted by a different chiropractor. Good luck.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackstrap Molasses, Baking Soda
About 4 years I got a recipe for ACV, Blackstrap and Bicarb to cure spurs, which I used and it did. But now a friend of mine would like the recipe but I can't remember to the ratio and I can't find it on your site any more. Could someone please help with it. Thanks, Regards Angela
(Los Angeles, California)
12/13/2013
Angela from Australia~ I do 1 TB OACV, 1 ts OBSM and just about 1/4 ts Bicarb. I put it in hot (not boiling) water and drink as a tea every morning. Put the Bicarb and OACV in first, it will bubble a bit, then the OBSM. Sometimes I even squeeze in 1/2 lemon (good for liver/gall bladder first thing in the morning).
Also for the foot, I had a heel spur where my achilies attaches to the arch and one on the heel. I had read on here somewhere about rubbing AVC on it so I went one step further. Soak an ace bandage in the ACV and wrap the area. Then I put my foot in a large zip type plastic bag and used tape to secure at the top. The next morning I was pain free! Remember, a bone spur is a bone spur, ACV will help where ever it is located. Some places you woud just soak some type of pad and maybe tape plastic wrap to hold it in place. ACV is a little miracle in a bottle!
(Missouri)
04/01/2014
I added some nutmeg and cinnamon and some honey for my allergies and it taste like apple cider. Wonderful drink! I hope it helps my hip spurs.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Ginger and Turmeric
To treat Bone Spurs, you suggest 3 treatments:
Apple Cider Vinegar (“1 tablespoon in 1 glass of water, twice a day), Ginger, and Turmeric
re Ginger: "Dr. Weil suggests a standard treatment dose of two 500 mg tablets three to four times a day" > how much fresh ginger is equivalent to a 500mg tablet?
re Turmeric “take 400-600 mg three times a day†> how much dried ground turmeric is equivalent to 400-600 mg?
I have bone spurs in my fingers… I suppose from typing on the computer keyboard—any suggestions or direction towards more information re preventing them-- eg are there certain types of keyboards that help with this?
Any other suggestions about the prevention of Bone Spurs – eg nutritionally?
thank you :)
Jj
(Tennessee)
10/08/2015
Are you drinking milk? I used to get bone spurs in a couple places on my fingers. They went away after I quit drinking milk. Almond milk can replace the milk you drink. The problem with milk is that the calcium in it has been heated- and many times can not assimilate into the body correctly- thus it attaches itself to joints, and sometimes even kidney stones.
Try it. Hope it helps. There are many types of almond milk to pick from. The unsweetened vanilla is better tasting, but I can drink any of them.
I have 2 spurs in my neck, and was diagnose with Spasmodic Torticolus in 1988. So I guess the spurs are from that, not sure though. About 2 years ago I had xrays taken and it showed the spurs and that's when I learned why my neck hurts so bad at times. I am doing ACV, Ginger, Blackstrap Molasses, and coconut oil, along with supplements for other ailments I have. But I am glad to see these things I am already using may help with the spurs as well. I take nothing for them, but if they get bad, I put ice on my neck which helps a lot. I am hoping to cure them though, we'll see. I am so glad for this topic since I too thought that they were more like a jagged shape and in the xrays I couldn't really tell exactly.
(Usa)
11/26/2018
Denise,
I remember seeing a post by you about salt but cannot look for it now...I wanted to share with you about "salt". The common table salt contains a flowing agent that is the culprit. As I weeded hidden sources of MSG out of my diet, I learned about the flowing or anti-caking agent in salt. That alone caused me sciatica and, at the same time, I was having the trouble with my neck. I had already shared that here on EC awhile back.
MtM and I both use "Real Salt" that was available in health food stores. I found it to be more reasonable on Amazon and sold in packs of 3.
KT
Bone Spurs and pH balance
Your article on how to dissolve bone spurs incorrectly states bone spurs are a result of too much acid in the system. Bone spurs are a result of too high a PH, or too much alkaline. Almost every other thing I've read supports this, and contradicts your statements about too much acid.
EC: Thanks. We'll research this more and make adjustments to the introductory article.
(Queensland)
09/02/2016
(La)
05/03/2017
With regard to the kind of bone spurs, I am still plagued with in my neck- a large one has grown back after first removal in 1992, this one specifically that did damage to a ligament and the ligament had to be repaired during disk fusion surgery-this large spur was a result of trauma to the neck. I find it very hard to believe that apple cider vinegar in a glass of water is going to dissolve this one although I am willing to try, I feel this one now is too large and will need surgical intervention. Some spurs come from trauma and I just don't know that the ACV cure can help at this late stage.
Cabbage Leaves, Kombucha Scoby

I have Pump Bump (Haglund's Deformity) more than ten years. Physio and med. doctors can't help. Spent lots of money and wasted time. What helps wonderful to reduce swelling is fresh cabbage leaves. I apply it not only all night but even keep it on during all day when staying home. No mess and no pain. Also very effective to reduce swelling is Kombucha's scoby. Without these precautions my foot get swollen afternoon and evening. Also I taken Boswellia tablets 3x . I'm still need some advice how to get rid of inflammation. I refused take antibiotics - doctor prescribed Voltaren.
Sorry for poor English( Its my third language). I hope cabbage leaves and scoby will help to some people.
(Tyler, Tx)
09/27/2018
Systemic enzymes and bromelain can help.
Castor Oil

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.
(Nv)
08/27/2018
Check out DMSO for bone spurs.
Castor Oil
I have a bone spur on one of my hips due to the stage 4 osteoarthritis I dealt with. Of course, the stem cell therapy has taken care of my hips and I am swimming quite a bit these days. So now, the hip pain is gone but my muscles get pretty sore these days! A welcome exchange, for sure!
The one thing I have noticed is, the bone spur which I saw on my x-ray when I went for my treatment is still apparent when I run my hand over my right hip. After doing research, I see castor oil can rid bone spurs. So, yesterday I began using it. I noticed that there are no posts regarding castor oil as a remedy for bone spurs here on EC. I'm excited to try this to see the results take hold.
Is there anyone out there who has actually used this castor oil for bone spurs successfully? I have used other Edgar Cayce remedies with success so I anticipate the same for this. Still I would love to hear from anyone who has actually done this. Thanks, Lisa
(Mississauga, On)
11/24/2014
(Mn)
09/15/2015

About 10 yrs ago, I had plantar fasciitis. I used the castor oil massage followed at bedtime by a saturated cotton ball directly over the site, covered by piece of plastic bag, a not too tight ace wrap, and a sock. I wore Haflinger brand wool clogs (excellent arch support) any time I was not wearing shoes. I took turmeric daily, 1/2 tsp beaten into an egg. fried "scrambled" fashion until just done (turmeric breaks down under excessive heat. Absorbed better with a fatty carrier.) Not bad. In a week the pain was greatly reduced. Over time, all pain was gone. After about a year, I could not detect the place where the bone spur had formed on my heel.
I now go bare foot again and the problem has not recurred.
(Stockbridge, Ma)
09/01/2017
(Australia)
11/14/2017

My Mum and aunt have both successfully got rid of bone spurs on their feet using castor oil. I've also started using it on a Haglund's deformity on my heel and it is shrinking.
(Nsw)
11/21/2017
Thanks for this post, Helen. I have two heel spurs on my left foot along with plantar fasciitis,, haven't had trouble for over ten years but now back with a vengeance, after weeks of gardening in rubber boots. Have new orthotics etc, arnica, turmeric tablets, apple cider vinegar aspirin (can't have anti inflammatories) massage, stretching etc. so will give the castor oil a go.
(Detroit)
05/26/2021
Diatomaceous Earth

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...
(Edmond, Ol)
12/30/2015
How long did it take for your bone spur to dissolve?