CALCANEAL SPUR (HEEL PAIN):

Role of Homeopathy in Calcaneal Spur:

There are some effective homeopathic medicines prescribed on the basis of exact case analysis. The selection of such a medicine could not be easy; may best be done by a experienced homeopath, after evaluating the x-ray. Homeopathy can offer excellent relief in pain in many cases. However, it cannot reverse the bony growth. The patient may have to take medicine periodically. Radiological cure may not be achieved. Homeopathy offers excellent results in Calcaneal spur and it is very strongly recommended.

Definition:

A heel spur is a calcium deposit causing a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. The technical name for heel bone is Calcaneus, which is one of the foot bones. Spur means a bony projection. (Spur has different meanings.)

When there is a bony projection of the heel bone (Calcaneal spur), the patient will face difficultly with movements. This disease is more frequently observed in females.

Symptoms:

The symptoms arise due to friction of spur with the bone and other soft tissues. Many people describe the pain of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis as a knife or pin sticking into the bottom of their feet when they first stand up in the morning, a pain that later turns into a dull ache. They often complain that the sharp pain returns after they stand up after sitting for a prolonged period of time. The friction leads to inflammation or swelling. Bone spurs can cause mild symptoms or be severely disabling, especially if they are directly irritating nerves.

Causes:

Heel spurs occur when calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone, a process that usually occurs over a period of many months. Heel spurs are often caused by strains on foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Heel spurs are especially common among athletes whose activities include large amounts of running and jumping.

Risk factors for heel spurs include:

• Walking gait abnormalities which place excessive stress on the heel bone, ligaments, and nerves near the heel

• Running or jogging, especially on hard surfaces

• Poorly fitted or badly worn shoes, especially those lacking appropriate arch support

• Excess weight and obesity

 

Other risk factors associated with plantar fasciitis include:

• Increasing age, which decreases plantar fascia flexibility and thins the heel's protective fat pad

• Diabetes

• Spending most of the day on one's feet

• Frequent short bursts of physical activity

• Having either flat feet or high arches

 

Investigations and diagnosis:

Bone spurs are detected by radiologic testing, such as with plain X-rays, ultrasound imaging, MRI scan, CT scan, and myelograms.

Treatment:

It is a bony projection is a mechanical problem, which may require surgical removal if it is very large and if the symptoms do not reduce with medicines.

If heel pain that persists for more than one month, recommend conservative treatments such as:

• Stretching exercises

• Shoe recommendations

• Taping or strapping to rest stressed muscles and tendons

• Shoe inserts or orthotic devices

• Physical therapy

 

Avoidance of wearing high heels & wearing well-fitting shoes with shock-absorbent soles, rigid shanks, and supportive heel counters; choosing appropriate shoes for each physical activity is recommend in all cases.

Conventionally, the patients are treated with pain killers or periodical injection of cortisone in the affected region.

Homeopathic Treatment for Calcaneal Spur

Calcarea Fluor:

Calcarea Fluor acts as the best resolving agent for Calcaneal Spur and is considered the first choice of Homeopathic remedy in every case of Calcaneal Spur.

Ammonium Mur:

One of the top most Homeopathic Medicine for Calcaneal Spur when there is pain in heel on walking. It helps in decreasing the pain as well as dissolving the spur. Apart from specific worsening of pain on walking, the person also complains of pain in morning. A few people needing Ammonium Mur may get relief by slight rubbing of the heel. The pain can be stitching or tearing in nature for using Ammonium Mur.

Rhus Tox:

Homeopathic medicine Rhus Tox is the top natural remedy for pain in heel on standing due to Calcaneal Spur. It helps in repairing the muscles and ligaments covering the heel bone, thus preventing further heel damage. Its next action is to dissolve the spur. Rhus Tox thus acts in three spheres for Calcaneal Spur patients — pain relief, strengthening the muscles or ligaments, and dissolving the spur. The pain narrated by the person on standing is most of the times stitching in character. The person may feel the pain as being similar to that caused by a splint. Another expression used may be pain as from a nail under the skin.

Aranea Diadema:

Homeopathic medicine for Calcaneal Spur for Boring pain in Heel. This Homeopathic remedy is best for getting rid of digging and boring type of pains in heel. The pain may alternate with a numb feeling in the heel. An extreme sensitivity to cold air can also be predominantly present.

Aurum Met:

The pain in heel at night due to Calcaneal Spur is best relieved by natural Homeopathic remedy Aurum Met. It is a very appropriate and efficient

Homeopathic medicine to get rid of night pain in heel arising because of the spur.

Mezereum:

Mezereum is of great help in treating the heel spur pain that worsens by touching. The patient may show an increased sensitivity to cold air.

Ruta:

Homeopathic treatment for Calcaneal Spur with pain in heel extending to Achilles tendon. The tendon that connects the calf muscle present in the back of the leg to heels is known as Tendo Achilles. For patients who have pain in heel due to Calcaneal Spur with the extension of pain in Tendo Achilles, the best Homeopathic remedy for relief is Ruta. Ruta is of great help in bony and tendon complaints.