Heel spurs (calcaneal spurs) are a painful and debilitating problem for many people. Pain and inflammation of this area may be the result of many years of wear and tear. This contributes to a weakening of the plantar fascia (the long tendon on the underside of the foot) causing inflammation. The presence of a heel spur occurs from years of calcification of the heel bone as calcium is laid down to protect the site from repeated damage. When Calcium is deposited on the outside of the bone instead of being absorbed into the bone matrix it leaves the bones porous and fragile. The spur itself may cause pain due to pressure and also from the friction and inflammation it can cause.
Natural remedies for pain and inflammation
- A green lipped muscle extract may be of benefit to reduce inflammatory pathways
- Anti-inflammatory herbs include Boswellia, Eucommia, Acanthopanax, Ginger, White Willow and Devils Claw
- Fish oils help to reduce inflammation
Lifestyle factors for bone spurs
- Homeopathic Silica is a great supplement to take for this condition, but please keep in mind that it is slow to work. Silica is often called natures scalpel as it has the ability to reabsorb calcium and re-deposit it inside the bone itself. A heel spur takes a long time to develop and will therefore also take a while to dissolve
- Acupuncture may help with the pain associated with a bone spur
- Wearing shoe inserts may help to relieve the pressure on the heel and reduce pain
- The topical use of cold packs over the aggravated area may also give some pain relief
Bone spurs and Calcium supplementation
If your mother is taking a Calcium supplement for bone mass, menopause or osteoarthritis. I suggest that she takes a Calcium which is easy to absorb such as Calcium Hydroxy Apetate or Calcium Citrate rather than a formula containing Calcium Carbonate which is an inferior Calcium and is poorly absorbed.
In some cases when poor quality Calcium foods and supplementation are taken it may result in the Calcium depositing on the outside of the bone rather than on the inside matrix of the bone where it is needed to strengthen the bone. This eventually leads to porous, weak and spongy bones which are prone to breaks, fractures and weakness or the formation of a problematic bone spur. The minerals Magnesium and Silica may help the Calcium to be reabsorbed into the bone over time and thereby reduce the occurrence of the spur.
If you require a Calcium supplement then it is recommended to take a well absorbed quality Calcium supplement which is bioavailable to the body. Taking a Calcium supplement which is combined with Magnesium, Silica, Vitamin D and Boron are also recommended to improve the absorption and utilisation of Calcium. The following are the best forms of Calcium for bone health:
- Calcium citrate
- Calcium phosphate
- Calcium aspartate
- Calcium chelate
