Heel pain is a painful foot condition that most people will have to deal with at some point. It is in most cases as a result of heel spurs which are an accumulation of excess amounts of calcium around the heel or plantar fascitis that occurs as a result of tears in the plantar fascia. Regardless of the cause, the sharp stabbing pain can make life uncomfortable when walking or after standing for an extended period. But before you think of getting any medical help you should consider the following natural remedies for heel pain.
#1 Essential Oils Massage
If you do not already have some essential oils in your medicine cabinet, you should consider buying some. Essential oils are very handy at home because you can use them for various things from treating wounds to making sleep aids. And if you are struggling with foot pain they can also offer you some relief. Essential oils like lavender and rosemary have some anti-inflammatory properties and so using them to massage the problematic heel can reduce the pain. Others like coconut and olive oil can act as a natural moisturizer to soften the heel and make it less painful.
#2 Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt is one of the best treatments for most foot problems, and it also works faster than most other remedies. An Epsom salt bath after work and just before you go to bed will help to relax your feet, reduce inflammation and alleviate the pain. This salt is rich in magnesium sulfate which the body will absorb through the skin to lessen the inflammation on the heels. Simply add two tablespoons of the salt to warm water and soak your feet for a quarter an hour.
#3 Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an effective treatment for skin, stomach and foot problems. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it suitable for use in managing heel pain. You can use it to make a foot soak or a wrap. Apple cider vinegar wrap seems to be the most efficient method when dealing with heel pain. When making it, you only need to add half a cup of the vinegar to about two cups of water and soak a clean washcloth in the mixture. You should wrap your heel with the cloth and leave it there for a quarter an hour and repeat at least twice.
#4 Turmeric
Turmeric is an ancient pain management agent, and there is some historical evidence to indicate that ancient Indian healers were using it many centuries ago. In these modern times, it is more common as a cooking spice and not as treatment. However, turmeric is still an excellent remedy for heel pain, and it can give you some relief. Turmeric contains a compound (curcumin) that has anti-inflammatory properties and works as a potent pain killer. You can take turmeric as a 400mg supplement or mix a teaspoon of the powder with a cup of milk and honey and take it twice or thrice a day.
#5 Ice Pack
Sometimes you will want a quick or instant relief for heel pain because it can become unbearable. For most people, this is the case when they make their first few steps in the morning or after standing for many hours at work. Ice offers one of the fastest reliefs for heel pain because it numbs the problematic area. And so you should always have an ice pack in the fridge. Another option for icing your feet will entail freezing a plastic water bottle and rolling it with your problematic foot for about fifteen minutes and repeat it several times throughout the day.
#6 Fish Oil
If your heel pain is a result of a bone spur or arthritis, fish oil will be a helpful treatment option. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) which can help to reduce pain and are also useful in dealing with muscle stiffness. You should take about 3 grams of fish oil twice daily and make sure that it has an EPA content of at least 30%. But, it is also a good idea to talk to your doctor first before using fish oil as it might not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions.
Conclusion
You should not let heel pain interfere with your daily routine or make you uncomfortable because there are several and easy natural remedies you can use at home. A simple cold compress or an Epsom salt soak will offer you enough relief, but some stretch exercises and shedding of a few extra kilos will also be helpful. The most important thing is to do something to alleviate the pain and not just sit and hope the pain goes away. The six natural remedies for heel pain above are an excellent starting point.
Article Submitted by Guest Writter: Patrick Greer (fixyourwalk.com)
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