Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs Pain Relief Without Any Painful Treatment or Drugs

If you are experiencing pain or burning in your heel or the sole of your foot there is a good chance that you have developed plantar fasciitis.

What is plantar fasciitis?

When the plantar fascia (the tissue that forms the arch of the foot) is overstretched and damaged, it often results in the pain and inflammation known as plantar fasciitis.  The plantar fascia can become overstretched if your foot becomes unstable during critical times in the walking or running cycle. This is especially the case if you wear inappropriate shoes or train too hard or too suddenly.  The pain can be especially noticeable when you push off with your toes while walking.

How does plantar fasciitis relate to heel spurs?

Heel spurs often form when the tension in the plantar fascia starts to pull the outer layer of the bone (the periosteum) away from its attachment to the heel bone.  To protect and reinforce this now weakened and vulnerable area the body starts to lay down calcium and a heel spur slowly forms over a period of time.

How plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are treated

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help recover from both plantar fasciitis and heel spurs:

Bowen Therapy – Many times plantar fasciitis is due to muscular imbalance in the pelvis and lower limbs.  This imbalance effects one’s gait (the way you walk), which can result in unbalanced tension and strain being exerted on the plantar fascia.  Bowen works directly with the nervous system to help balance and reset muscle tension levels to their optimum efficiency.  Bowen may also help to stimulate and accelerate the healing process of the damaged plantar fascia.  Usually about three Bowen sessions are required.

At the end of a session the foot may be strapped to take pressure off of the fascia, giving it a better opportunity to heal.

Rest – Rest is important.  It is particularly important to reduce or take a break from activities that may have been the cause of the plantar fasciitis.

Wear appropriate shoes - Do not go barefoot in your house or at any other time until the plantar fascia is well and truly healed.  Also, do not wear high heels, slippers, flip flops or open back shoes.

Heel inserts – Although heel spurs are not the cause of plantar fasciitis, the spur can irritate the tender tissue surrounding it and contribute to the pain and inflammation felt.  It is important to therefore take measures to prevent irritation.  This is where Sorbothane heel inserts are recommended.  They are one of the best inserts on the market for absorbing and dispersing forces that would normally travel through the heel and up the leg when walking or running.  The removable tear-drop shaped “spur-cavity” is designed specifically to relieve the discomfort caused by the heel spur. 

Epsom salts - to help soothe the feet and reduce inflammation soaking in Epsom salts is advised, especially after activities that aggravate the plantar fasciitis.  Use two tablespoons in approximately two litres of warm water and soak the feet for 20 minutes daily.   Epsom salts create the ideal tissue environment for healing by reducing acid build-up in the feet.  They can be purchased from your chemist. 

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) - ACV has properties that make it very effective for tissue healing.  To further speed up the healing process, apply some to a clean cloth and secure it to the bottom of your foot with Glad wrap. Leave it in place for an hour and repeat for five days. Caution: do not apply to broken or sensitive skin. 

Silica – Homeopathic Silica is helpful in reducing heel spurs.  Silica is often called "nature’s scalpel" as it initiates the reabsorption of calcium and the re-deposition of calcium inside the bone itself.  A heel spur takes a long time to develop and will also take a while to dissolve.