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.
Ultrasound Treatments
Posted by Aaron (Irving, Tx) on 02/14/2008
★★★★★
I work as a medical professional and see heel spurs on a daily basis. Not only have I seen this problem, I also was one to have a bad heel spur in my heel.
Ultrasound treatments, along with correct alignment of the hips and back, can cure this problem. Ultrasound is commonly used in the sports medicine field to help increase blood flow to areas of pain and where problems persist (note that this type of ultrasound treatment is not the same ultrasound as used on pregnant women). The ultrasound will help soften the calcium of the heel spur and help the body reabsorb it.
Treatments should be continuous 5-7minutes per time with a intensity of .5. Athletic trainers, physical therapist and chiropractors have access to this type of treatment.
Also, I have found that correct alignment of the hips and back can lead to severe heel pain which can result in heel spurs. If the hips and back are out of line then too much pressure can be put on one heel as opposed to the other. This mis-alignment can cause poor biomechanics and cause severe heel pain. A chiropractor can help assess and see if this can be the problem and help correct it.
Water Therapy
Posted by Allen (Cincinnati, Ohio) on 10/20/2007
★★★★★
After reading the anonymous' comments about relieving heel spur pain with soaking the foot in ice water, I decided to give it a try.
I started last Sunday evening soaking in about 3 inches of water with ice cubes for about 5 minutes. I continue doing this 2 times a day and after only 2 days my heel spur pain was gone. I had dealt with this for more than a month, trying custom orthotics, a cortisone shot, stretching exercises and Advil to no avail.
Ice water worked for me too.
Water Therapy
Posted by Anonymous (USA) on 07/13/2007
★★★★★
After getting two cortisone shots, I still had heel spur pain, Cold or hot compresses didn't work for me, and instead of going back to the doctor for a 3rd shot, and another bill to pay, I was determined to try my own remedy. I got one of those plastic Tupperware tubs and filled it w cold water, then I put a tray of ice cubes in it. I soaked my food ankle deep for @30min last night and did the same technique mid afternoon today, and already my heel spur is gone!!. I believe any bone ailment is best cured by submerging in water. You also have better movement in water. Maybe best to get to swimming pool.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Molasses, Baking Soda
Posted by Trudy (Drumbo, Ontario) on 11/30/2009
I really don't suggest the ACV/molasses/baking soda remedy. Just tried it this morning and it worked like a laxative. I was very sick/nauseous for several hours and after about 30 mins of taking it, had terrible diarrhea.
Alfalfa Tea
Posted by Carol (Jacksonville, FL) on 06/05/2006
★★★★★
For a heel spur, take Alfalfa Tea several times a day for first 4 wks, then only 3-4 times a wk will be sufficient. Was recommended to me by a co-worker. Works great:)
Rolling Heel on Golf Ball
Posted by Nancy Nelson (Texas) on 05/30/2020
★★★★★
My heel only started hurting 2 days ago but checked my favorite site, Earth Clinic an hour ago. Did a couple minutes of the foot stretch that others posted on here then fixed the acv, molasses and baking soda which I'm drinking while soaking my foot in Ice water.
Ironically, before I soaked my foot I noticed I didn't have heel pain any long er!!!! Wow. So folks, try the foot stretches first. They work!! Thank you Earth Clinic/ Deirdre as you've done so much for me as I've used this site for years and told many peeps about it!!!! Blessings to you.
Borax Foot Bath
Posted by Debbie (Gloucester, Uk) on 08/24/2017
Where are you buying it in the UK? I haven't been able to get hold of it.
Borax Foot Bath
Posted by Art (California ) on 08/24/2017 2684 posts
Apple Cider Vinegar, Molasses, Baking Soda
Posted by Sharon (Nsw, Australia) on 11/26/2018
Curious as to whether this recipe is applied to the heel spur or do you drink it. There is no mention of water in the recipe!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Molasses, Baking Soda
Posted by Sur (Texas) on 01/26/2017
Would someone please give me the recipe for ACV, baking soda and honey/molasses they are drinking for heel spurs? I assume drinking. I found a couple of places that said they are rubbing on. Please clarify.
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
Posted by Maria (Manalapan, New Jersey) on 10/25/2016
I have heel spur pain for about two months now, I saw a doctor and he is sending me for physical therapy, buy I will like to try the apple cider vinegar soak. Please tell me how many times a week and how much vinegar, do i mix it with water, and how long do i soak my feet in the vinegar?.
Massage
Posted by Denise (Sydney) on 05/29/2016
★★★★★
Heel Spurs:
I have a friend from Africa and he said to
- Get a rock 1/2 the size of your heel and put it on the gas cooker to make it really hot.
- Put a sock on your foot and then put your heel on the rock and keep it on for as long as you can.
- Do this three times in a row. Keep doing it for three weeks and it will be gone for ever.
I have tried it for the last week and it works. I have had a heel spur for two years and it was so painful.
Good luck, Denise
Apple Cider Vinegar Wrap
Posted by Sarah (Indiana) on 09/13/2015
Did you use the organic ..my heel spurs/and plantar fasciitis had been a problem for GOING on 5 month now and no relief in site.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Molasses, Baking Soda
Posted by Mary (Tx) on 06/24/2014
★★★★★
The ACV, molasses, and baking soda really helps heel spurs after ONLY one day! I can really tell the difference.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Molasses, Baking Soda
Posted by Sam (Miami, FL) on 06/25/2014
Heel spurs could be caused by calcium supplements. One don't need supplement calcium. It should all come from food. Body can't absorb calcium supplements. For centuries it has been know by herbalists that regular intake of horsetail helps prevent bone loss and will speed up the repair of broken bones. Yet, horsetail contains little or no calcium. What it does contain is rich amounts of silica. Apparently, the silica atoms in horsetail can be converted into calcium atoms by the body. However body can't transmute just any old silicon into calcium. In fact, ingesting inorganic silicon will cause decalsification of bones, page 669, book: The Chemistry of Essential Oils by David Stewart.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Molasses, Baking Soda
Posted by Erica (North Carolina) on 09/26/2015
I have never tried this but I have a question? Is this a drink or do you just simply rub them on your feet?
Apple Cider Vinegar Wrap
Posted by Krishna (India) on 12/09/2014
I tried soaking a brown paper in ACV and putting it in my shoe, but I realized that it can't be reused as the paper tears into several smaller pieces and it also dries up quickly... Can I just dip the part of the sock that goes near the heel into ACV and wear it?
Massage
Posted by Peterp (Melbourne, Victoria) on 04/16/2013
★★★★★
I have had a heel spur for 9 months and went and had a remedial massage ( it was hard) on the calves and hamstrings. One hour treatment and the pain in the heel was gone.
The spur was chronic and I done hours of research, nowhere did I read about getting a massage till my massuer mentioned it. Makes sense as all the muscles are interconnected and the massage loosened the tight muscles.
Supplements
Posted by Md. Rais (India ) on 08/19/2017
Hey.. Guys I read many healing home remedies for bone spur round the corner. People suggest using ACID-A-CAL is very effective in bone spur healing. But I couldn't find the acid-a-cal in nearby medical shops.. What actually is this?... Please tell more about acid-a-cal...
Supplements
Posted by Karen (Florida) on 08/20/2017
I used extra magnesium citrate tablets to get rid of my bone spur. I am not familiar with this other product.
Calcium
Posted by Sheryll (Dallas, Texas) on 05/30/2012
★☆☆☆☆
I have been taking 1000 mg of Calcium/day for several years as I have a family history of osteoporosis. I have recently developed moderate heel spurs on both feet, as well as bone spurs on my wrist and along the spine. The bone spurs are thought to be a result of psoriatic arthritis. Calcium has not prevented them.
Calcium
Posted by Lita209 (Sanford, Fl, Usa) on 05/30/2012
Sheryll from Dallas, Texas: I am sorry to hear about your heel spurs. I can only tell you about my own experience. I spent near 8 months with a heel spur on my left feet. It was painfull in the mornings and every time I would sit for a while, it was painfull when I got up. The only solution I kept hearing was surgery and I didn't want that. So I remembered this website from when my cat was sick and I learn about ACV to cure his uti (which by the way worked! ). So when I searched for heel spurs I was surprised that it also suggested ACV. Also to take calcium, but with magnesium to help the calcium absorption and retention and Epsom salt/baking soda baths. Sheryll I can honestly tell you it worked for me. I did the baths at least 3 times a week and the ACV and calcium/magnesium everyday. This was around 3 or 4 years ago so I don't remember how long it took for me to feel the difference but it was not long. Try it and have faith. Good luck and good health to you.
Ultrasound
Posted by Linda (Sugarcreek, Ohio) on 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
Borax Foot Bath
Posted by Leelannee (Sussex, Nj) on 09/27/2009
Brook, I had bone spurs on my wrists for many years. I took a certain type of calcium, and they dissolved and haven't grown back.
Borax Foot Bath
Posted by Connie (Diana, Tx) on 09/09/2009
★★★★★
I tore my achillles about 3 weeks ago on a cool down part of dance video..The pain is awful when u first get up in the morning..I couldn't wear my sandals or go barefooted I had to wear my tennis shoe from then on..I started the search for remedies a week ago and saw Ted's borax bath remedy..
I made a Foot Bath of 1/2 tsp to 1 liter of COLD water and soaked my feet in it for 30 mins every night..
The very first night I could feel the pain lessen all the way up calf..You'll have to wear a good shoe.. But I was able to start stretching that part back out..I'm only a week into this but so far this has really helped..Many, many thanks Ted..
PS: I wish I had looked here a lot sooner.
Braces
Posted by Bimal Kanal (Shanghai, China) on 07/29/2009
★★★★★
Heel Pain / Spur
I have suffered acute heel pain caused by a condition described as heel spur since 2004.The treatment which has given me 99% relief was very simple which unfortunatley was introduced only in 2009 by a sports medical specialist.
The person needs to wear a night brace on the foot for a period of time. I wore it for one month before i coild see any improvement. The nigh brace is available in large pharmacies. This costed me HKD150 only.
secondly, please meet a podiatric specialist in a hospital and get the insouls for yr shoes. These in souls are specialy made and cannot be purchased over the counter. These are expensive as i paid HKD 2500 for a pair.
Thirdly, there are two simple excercises that should be done. One is to sit on the floor and stretch yr legs. Take a towel and put it accross yr toes of the foot and pull the toes towards yrself.
the second excercise is to stand against the wall with one foot forward and strech the second leg which is at the back.
The logic here is that from the spine to the heel the flexibility should be improved.
A lot of rest is needed for acute case as the heel is swollen in some cases.
Apple Cider Vinegar Wrap
Posted by Lori (Lincoln, NE) on 07/06/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I used the ACV wrap at night w a bag around my foot for 7 days and saw no relief at all. And it stunk up my house and my bedding. Not worth it!
Supplements
Posted by Thomas (Missouri City, TX) on 05/16/2009
★★★★★
A month and a half ago, it was sheer agony just to walk to the mailbox; to get out of bed, I needed a cane. Then I came here and read-up on calcium.
For the past month and a half, I've been blasting calcium into my system with a daily dose of: a multi-vitamin with 162 mg of calcium in it, PLUS a tablet of 600 mg of calcium and 400 I.U. of Vitamin D.
Three days after starting my calcium-blasting, I noticed that I was feeling less pain. Now, a month and a half later, I am PAIN-FREE (except after I stand or walk a lot).
Water Therapy
Posted by Cheryl (Scone, Australia) on 04/27/2009
★★★★★
i have tryed the ice water remedy and found no difference in the time the other people did but after using it constantly for two months it did work and i have not suffered from my spur in the last 18 months to two years i do now highly reccomend it
