How to Use Vinegar for Heel Pain
Because it affects your ability to walk, heel pain can be a bothersome and disabling condition. For some, heel pain comes on suddenly, but can happen gradually for others. Although heel spurs are the most common cause of heel pain, other causes include plantar fasciitis, infection, tumors, and fractures or cysts. Whatever the cause, heel pain that results in swelling and inflammation may possibly be soothed by the use of either white or apple cider vinegar. If you have heel pain and are looking for a natural remedy, vinegar may be the answer.
Although some university studies have shown apple cider vinegar to have some beneficial effects when taken internally, the studies have been limited. Topical applications are unproven, although popularly accepted.
Things You'll Need
- Foot tub
- Water
- White vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Paper bag
- Baking soda
- Molasses
Instructions
-
-
1
Soak your foot in vinegar. To attempt to reduce heel pain characterized by inflammation and swelling, fill a foot tub or large pan 3/4 full with cool water and mix in 1/2 cup of either white or apple cider vinegar. Soak your foot in this vinegar bath for 20 to 30 minutes every day and see if the pain subsides.
-
2
Wrap your heel in a paper bag soaked in apple cider vinegar. Cut a paper bag in the shape of your heel and soak it in apple cider vinegar. Wear this paper wrapped around your heel daily for 2 to 3 weeks, changing the paper several times per day. This may provide heel pain relief, especially for pain caused by heel spurs.
-
-
3
Apply a mixture of apple cider vinegar, baking soda and molasses to your heel. For this vinegar remedy, mix two tbsp. of apple cider vinegar, one tsp. of baking soda and one tbsp. of molasses together. Apply this to the affected area of your heel daily for at least 10 to 15 minutes, and you may begin to see signs of improvement within a few days of use.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always use alternative remedies with caution. Although these vinegar remedies have worked for some, they may not be effective for everyone. Discontinue use if you do not notice significant improvement after two weeks of apple cider vinegar treatment, and any alternative treatment should be done in conjunction with treatment options suggested by your doctor.
