Information on Naturopathic Treatments for Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are calcium growths that occur in the foot where the ligaments and tendons attach to the heel bone. The hook-like spur grows from the bone into the flesh and the tendons often become inflamed where they attach to the heel bone. Considerable pain may be felt when walking. Many people mistakenly believe the pain occurs as a result of pressure when weight is placed on the spur, but according to doctors at heelspurs.com, the inflammation of the tendons is what causes the pain.
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Naturopathic Treatment
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To properly treat heel spurs, the underlying cause needs to be addressed. Conventional medicine that aims to treat the symptoms rather than the cause will only provide temporary relief. Naturopathic treatments offer a holistic approach to managing pain by attempting to lengthen the muscles, decrease stiffness, improve range of motion, elevate the heel to increase shock absorption and provide supportive devices that reduce repetitive stress and offer arch support.
Types
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In an effort to avoid any potential side effects from medications, many people choose naturopathic forms of treatment for their heel spurs. Such treatment includes sports massage, stretching the heel, foot and calf, yoga to loosen muscles and increase range of motion, herbal baths to relieve pain and inflammation, acupuncture, calcium and magnesium supplements to prevent calcium deposits and alternating hot and cold foot baths to relieve inflammation and loosen tendons.
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Benefits
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Drug treatment for heel spurs includes the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The use of NSAIDs may be linked to kidney damage, stomach problems and ulcers, GI bleeding and the development of dementia. According to a report made by USA Today on April 22, 2009, a recent study states that increased use of these pain relievers may raise the risk of cognitive decline. Treating heel spurs with natural remedies has no risk of these potential side effects.
Misconceptions
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Many people mistakenly believe that being diagnosed with heel spurs means they will be subject to a lifetime of pain. Although the heel spurs will not go away without surgery, they can be effectively managed with naturopathic treatment to reduce or eliminate pain. Since it is not the spur itself that is responsible for pain, by controlling inflammation of the tendon and keeping the muscles loose, you may be able to significantly reduce or even eliminate heel pain.
Considerations
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If you are suffering from heel pain, make an appointment with your health care practitioner. If diagnostic testing reveals that you are in fact suffering from a heel spur, you can try a combination of the natural techniques mentioned above to control your symptoms. Many people find these techniques to be successful. For severe cases that do not find relief from naturopathic treatments, a return visit to your physician is recommended. You may need to consider other treatment options.
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