A heel spur is a bony growth that happens due to calcium deposits. It grows at the back of the heel bone inside your foot. Obesity or excessive stress on your foot ligament agitates the heel spur and causes immense pain. Though heel spurs can be removed with surgery, experts recommend several non-surgical treatments to reduce the pain. A heel spur, sometimes known as a bone spur, develops over time. Unfortunately, most people don't realize until and unless it pokes out below your back heel bone. One of the first symptoms of a heel spur is troubling putting on a shoe.  

Are heel spur and plantar fasciitis the same thing? 

The conditions are related to each other but are not the same thing.  

Plantar fasciitis: 

It happens when you stretch or tear your plantar fascia ligament that runs between your heel and the ball of your foot. If you have plantar fasciitis, you will probably have intense pain in your heel, and it will keep fluctuating throughout the day. It eases if you walk for a while but again starts when you sit in the same posture for a longer time.  

Heel spur: 

A heel spur can happen due to the stress and inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis. It takes time for your body to respond to the extra bone tissue and starts showing the symptoms. 

Causes: 

• Obesity 
• Previous injury 
• Excessive running, jogging, or exercises 
• Lack of exercise (in case you need it for any previous injury or fracture) 
• Gait disorder; a condition that affects your balance and body coordination 
• Repeated ligament tear 

Natural Remedies for Heel Spur: 

Foot massage: 

What's the one thing you wish for after a long hard day? A peaceful and relaxing body spa; your feet are also not an exception. In fact, it is the first part of your body that needs a massage because your feet bear the body weight, strain, and stretches all day long. Therefore, it deserves a relaxing foot massage with hot and flavourful essential oils. While you imagine the scenario, let us tell you that massage is never a luxury; it's a need for your body. A gentle massage increases blood circulation, activates the nerves, joints, and ligaments, and regulates muscle contraction. Mix the essential oils with any carrier oil like coconut, almond, jojoba, or olive oil. Some of the suitable essential oils to massage your feet are 

• Lavender 
• Tea tree 
• Lemongrass 
• Eucalyptus  
• Peppermint 
• Thyme 
• Rosemary (especially joint and ligament pains) 
• Juniper berry 
• Cypress 

Epsom salt soak: 

Epsom salt soak is not the only necessity for a foot spa; it also shows other benefits like reducing pain and exfoliating the foot skin. Epsom salt, scientifically known as magnesium sulfate. Sprinkle some Epsom salt in a hot water tub and dip your feet for a while. To enhance the experience of a homemade foot spa, you can make some DIY foot soaks. 

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup of Epsom salt 
• 3-6 drops of any essential oil 
• 1 tsp of carrier oil (coconut or jojoba oil) 

Procedure: 

• Add the foot salt to hot water and stir to dissolve 
• Mix the oils in a separate bowl 
• Add the oil mixture to the water 
• Soak your feet for 20 minutes 
• Pat a towel too dry and massage with moisturizer 

Apple cider vinegar: 

Apple Cider Vinegar is not only an elixir for losing weight, but it also has other health benefits. Apple cider vinegar is a superfood loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Along with metabolism and stomach issues, it also benefits your bone and muscle strength because ACV is enriched with calcium. Instead of drinking you can also put a few drops of the drink in your DIY Epsom salt soak. 

RICE: 

Don't get shocked; we are not talking about the staple Indian food; the "RICE" method represents "Rest, Icing, Compression, and Elevation." This is one of the common habits suggested by most experts. An ice pack gives quick and instant relief from any foot injury, but if you stop the practice of icing, it can also revive. If an ice pack is not your thing, you can replace it with Dr Foot's cooling foot gel. This heel pain gel includes salicylic acid, urea gel, coconut oil, and tea tree oil. It has a non-greasy texture, is fast absorbing, and moisturizes cracked heels. 

Baking soda: 

Kitchen- the miracle chamber of every Indian household. From cold to mood swings, your kitchen shelves have all the remedies. Baking soda is one of those ingredients that tops each and every subject. Baking soda can ace any task from cleaning to baking to joint ache. You will actually be surprised to know the number of benefits this humble ingredient has to offer. It affects the calcium crystals deposited on the skin and also balances the skin pH level. 

Anti-inflammatory food: 

You can also include some anti-inflammatory ingredients in your daily diet like: 

• Turmeric 
• Cumin seeds 
• Ginger 
• Avocados 
• Berries 
• Fatty fish 
• Green tea 
• Mushrooms 
• Dark chocolate