The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin C
Posted by Malu (Houston) on 05/08/2020
★★★★★
My son had a painful heel spur. The doctors offered little help. He used magnesium, potassium and vitamin C, in capsules. In three days the pain subsided, and in 2 weeks it was all gone. He is a big man, so he used a pill of each, twice a day. I don't know the mg of each, but it pretty standard. Hope this will help someone. Thank you.
Borax Foot Bath
Posted by Art (California ) on 08/25/2017 2326 posts
Apple Cider Vinegar, Molasses, Baking Soda
Posted by Richard (New York) on 07/16/2018
Thanks, Sue. I've had a spur on the back of my heel since 2014. It has gotten smaller but still causes pain, especially when I run. I'm sipping on this concoction as I write this. How often should one take this? Here's hoping it works
MSM, Magnesium, ACV
Posted by Vicky (Atlanta) on 10/10/2016
★★★★★
I had heel spurs for 2 years and was getting steroid shots. Thank god for EC. I used 1,000 mg of msm, 1,000 mg of magnesium and 2 Apple Cider Vinegar tabs, daily, Within 1 week I was completely healed.
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
Posted by Lisa (Va.) on 07/09/2016
★★★★★
For my heel spur, I SOAK my feet in a bucket full of Acv. Anything else for me is a waste of time. Gone!!
Apple Cider Vinegar Wrap
Posted by Stacey W. (Louisville, Ky) on 12/08/2015
Did it work? Please update. My Mom suffers from them and I am trying to find something to help her.
Apple Cider Vinegar Wrap
Posted by Rick H. (Kelseyville, Ca.) on 02/14/2016
Yeah! To whoever said, Here We Go! I got a real laugh out of that! I've been wondering what I'm going to do about my feet for almost 2 yrs. now, all the while they get worse! My X told me about soaking them in ACV but with a little honey or sodium. At this point I'm going to, I just figured this out as I was typing.
I'm going to use an ace bandage and soak it in ACV and sodium, I'm not talking about regular salt I'm talking about the kind you get from the hospital or pharmacy, HCL, sodium used for external irrigation, anyway, thanks for the inspiration. Rick from Calif.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Molasses, Baking Soda
Posted by Lady Mars (Lithia, Fl) on 06/25/2014
Hi Sam, my husband has heel spurs and there is a strong link between heel spurs and arthritis or another inflammatory disease. Heel spur remedy mentioned of ACV, molasses and baking soda would alkalize the body and reduce inflammation.
Regarding calcium, I have a condition where my body doesn't process calcium very well (hypoparathyroidism). I've been dealing with it for 40 years, and have learned a thing or two about calcium. It's essential for just about every organ in the body, not just bones and teeth. Too little will cause blood pressure to plummet, fainting and the heart to struggle to beat. Been there, done that. (I must take mega-doses of calcium and have never had a heel spur. Neither have other members of my family with this same condition.)
All calciums are not equal; I've tried every kind and calcium citrate is absorbed easiest. It would be best if everyone could get all the calcium they needed from food, but it isn't possible for many and I'd hate for anyone to be discouraged from taking something so essential. If one must choose, too much calcium is preferable to too little.
Apple Cider Vinegar Wrap
Posted by Jean (Atlanta, Ga.) on 07/12/2017
Thank you so much. I have had two cortizone shots for my heal spur and it is the worst pain I have had since I gave birth to my son. It only solves the problem temporarily and leaves you with an avoidance paranoia.I have seen other reports with good results also. Thanks for sharing😊
Wear Flip Flops
Posted by Cb (Netherlands) on 08/31/2013
★★★★★
Hi, Just want to let people with heel spurs know that my sister had a heel spur and tried about every home remedie available without result. She bought new slippers, flip flops, which gave much relief and after a while the heel spur was gone!
Apple Cider Vinegar Wrap
Posted by Diane (Grants Pass, Or) on 08/28/2013
I am trying the various remedies for heel spurs. I started the apple cider vinegar wrap 4 days ago. I wrapped it with a gauze bandage soaked in ACV with a plastic bag tied around my foot and left on overnight for the 4 nights. I didn't notice much difference in the pain, but thought maybe I needed to continue this procedure longer. Well today I noticed a big chunk of skin where I have been soaking coming off my heal. This will be quite painful if this skin comes off. So I am stopping the soaking and want to warn others not to soak too much with the ACV. I am going to continue with drinking ACV, Coconut Oil, & taking Calcium and hope these cures work for me.
Foot Wrapping
Posted by Laurie (Frisco, Texas) on 02/20/2013
★★★★★
I tried everything, EVERYTHING, for debilitating heel spur pain. It was so bad I thought I was heading for a wheelchair. Someone suggested "wrapping". I use medical tape or in a pinch, duct tape; following the directions found on the internet and experimenting with what worked best for me. Search "foot wrapping for heel spurs" and give it a try. If you are allergic to tape adhesives, this may not be your answer - but I am 99% better, with virtually no pain whatsoever, even with being on my feet all day.
Supplements
Posted by Liam (Toronto, On, Canada) on 07/15/2012
★★★★★
This stuff works! People, please if you suffer from bone spurs, please give the Acid-A-Cal a try -it is the real deal. I cannot believe this worked on me. Thank you guys so much!
I developed a bone spur on the top of my foot and was discussing with an OS to do surgery to get rid if (shave it down). I then began obsessed with trying to find an alternative method. I cleaned up my diet, tried everything possible homeopathic. I came across this site and read about acid-a-cal. Interested, I went searched further and found a few other sites where ppl said it dissolved their spurs.
At the same time I also did a blood test to check my calcium levels which were a bit (just a bit) below normal. I bought it and began supplementing it 3x a day with meals. I kid you not, within 2 months my spurs have gone. Yes, they are gone. It began with the dull ache going away, then the perpetual redness fading (I'm guessing cause the spurs were shrinking and no longer pressing against soft tissue) and the last 2 weeks I literally was watching the spur shrink to now there is no spur.
I haven't shown it to my OS yet, but I believe he will be shocked. Beyond shocked! I am so grateful, happy and filled with renewed spirit. I love you all and thank you thank you thank you!
Calcium
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 05/30/2012
The problem is not calcium but probably the type of calcium you are taking. Calcium taking in supplements is mostly "inorganic" meaning that the body cannot assimilate it. It may be made up of crushed up oyster shell! How is that going to assimilate into the body. Also pasteurisation of milk detroys most of the calcium there as well so they add it back in.
You are better off juicing lots of fresh vegetables (mostly greens) and carrots. These both contain lots of calcium and it is "organic" calcium that your body can use. They will also contain magnesium so you get the proper calcium: magnesium ratio. Wheatgrass juice is also excellent as is chlorella and spirulina.
Research "organic" and "non organic" vitamins or "heme" and "non heme" .. There is a difference. I no longer take supplements because many are not what the body can assimilate.
Calcium
Posted by Sindee (Santa Cruz, Ca.) on 07/27/2016
Thank you Debbie. My mom told me that women in our family shrink after having kids which I thought was some sort of superstition. I had four kids the youngest is now 26 and I have "shrunk" over 2 inches in height, and have been dealing with heel spurs + plantar faciitis, both horribly painful to where I had begun to walk with a limp. I have taken calcium with no noticeable benefit. What you wrote makes a whole lot of sense so I'm now juicing (leafy greens, carrot, apple and 1 clove fresh garlic) and taking 1 tbsp of Organic ACV in a glass of water. I'm in my late fifties so we'll see in a year what I can report back.
Supplements
Posted by Gispa60 (Nashville, Tennessee, U.s.a.) on 01/16/2012
★★★★★
I developed a heel spur, went to see a foot specialist where they took a mold of my foot and then I was supplied special insoles. I was told up to six months I could have the insoles adjusted free of charge. Close to the six months' period, pain returned right in the center of my heel. The insole had a slanted heel.
I figured really how much can they change the insole, so I started reading online. For one thing I read that calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are needed by the body in certain proportions. It so happened that a while back I had broken three ribs and had been taking extra calcium supplements which I believe ended up creating an imbalance. I happened to have a little bottle with some liquid phosphorus on hand from a treatment for TMJ from way back when. I tried some of the drops and started to feel relief. So I went on line and ordered ionic phosphorus. And this has taken care of the problem. I now take it sometimes, just a little tsp. when I feel my heel is becoming sensitive again.
Supplements
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Usa) on 01/17/2012 2048 posts
Gispa60, your post shows the importance of BALANCE and how marketing has little regard for it. We are sold on Calcium for bone & teeth health, a few yrs latter they discovered the need for Calcium PLUS Vit-D. So we gobble our Cal/D down and get bone spurs, heart arythmias, and kidney stones. Many people on this site have found relief and cured many problems adding MUCH needed Magnesium to their daily regimen.
I add a few drops of Sodium Diphosphate (Fleet Enema) to a mineral footbath often as I know I need it and phosphorous is supposed to be so abundant that it is almost impossible to buy as a supplement. So thanks for the alert.
Also the amino acid Taurine is very good for mineral balance & utilization.
Apple Cider Vinegar Wrap
Posted by Carol (Keller, Texas) on 06/07/2011
★★★★★
I don't know if I have a heel spur or planter fasia, but I read some of your remedies and I just tried organic apple cider vinegar by rubbing and massaging it on my heel and the side of my foot. It is so much better and I didn't have any problem walking when I first got out of bed this morning. I am in no pain and it feels great.
Magnesium
Posted by Ellie (Evansville, Wi) on 01/25/2011
★★★★★
I had bone spurs several years back.. I looked up this.. What caused it I found that magnesium and calcium are not in balance and it calcifies.. So I started to use magnesium oil.. I sprayed it all over my body and I soaked my feet in warm water and magnesium oil just to below the ankles.. Every day for 30 days. 10 drops in water every.. I swear by this.. I also make my own now.
Massage
Posted by Gerhard (Romeo, Michigan Usa) on 12/11/2010
★★★★☆
I have had ongoing issues with heel spurs for 15 years. They come and go, but currently I have had extreme pain from one for almost a year. In the past, my podiatrist could help with cortisone, inserts, brace, therapy, etc. , but no luck so far this time. One thing that has helped is freezing a soup can in the freezer. When frozen, roll the sole and heel of your foot back and forth over the inflamed area, and this does provide some welcome relief for a while. I do it for about 20 minutes every evening. Good luck!
Calcium
Posted by Bev (Longbeach, Ca) on 08/15/2009
★★★★★
Hi Laura;
Years ago my Chiropractor had a formula using calcium, i.e., Cal-Acid EM, #325, that he gave to his patients that have heel spurs. His recommendation was to take one tablet every hour until yawning occurred the first day. Then take one tablet every two to three hours for the next five days. Then maintenance was two tablets two to three times per day. Hope this is useful.
Braces
Posted by Mnj (Northern Illinois, Il/usa) on 07/12/2010
★★★★☆
I have been struggling with this heel deal for over a month now. Have done the icing, taken advil for reducing inflammation, reduced my exercise, gotten better shoes, etc. And it was showing little to no improvement. Found a website that said that people with high arches or flat feet tend to suffer from this and a light went off. Went to the local pharmacy and found an arch wrap like you described. ($5. 99) It is made of stretchy material of about 2" wide and fits snugly around my arch. I can walk with no shoes if I have that on. I think the arch support is key to this issue. Or least it is for me. I made a similar wrap around my arches with medical tape before walking this am and that helped relieve some pressure from that exercise.
Apple Cider Vinegar Wrap
Posted by Yvette (New Mexico) on 12/20/2016
Drink it. :)
2 tsps / cup purified water before every meal. (you can half it, and drink half.)
Massage
Posted by Luanne (Morris, Illinois) on 12/11/2008
★★★★★
I had an extremely painful heel spur and elected to go with chiropractic treatments. My chiropracter worked on the muscles and tendons with ultrasound and simple massage. She said the problem was the tendons, ligaments, etc. and that I was loosing the arch in my foot. To get it back she suggested getting a golf ball and rolling it along the arch of the foot (ball on floor, roll with bottom of foot) to work out the tightness and inflamation. This is fairly painful when inflamed, so be prepared(no pain, no gain) After about 6 weeks the pain went away and I have been fine since. By the way, the spur is still there(saw it in an x-ray recently), it just isn't bothering me.
Apple Cider Vinegar Wrap
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 09/11/2011
★★★★★
I wrapped my feet with ACV soaked flannel overnight in a plastic gallon sized zip-lock bag on each foot. It gave me much relief. I wore Spenco orthotics ($40) in athletic shoes most of the summer. Target has some dress shoe orthotics that are clear and thinner (for when you are better) to wear with wedgies. My foot doctor recommended I wear wedge-heel shoes to support the arch.
Ultrasound Treatments
Posted by Aaron (Irving, Tx) on 02/14/2008
★★★★★
I work as a medical professional and see heel spurs on a daily basis. Not only have I seen this problem, I also was one to have a bad heel spur in my heel.
Ultrasound treatments, along with correct alignment of the hips and back, can cure this problem. Ultrasound is commonly used in the sports medicine field to help increase blood flow to areas of pain and where problems persist (note that this type of ultrasound treatment is not the same ultrasound as used on pregnant women). The ultrasound will help soften the calcium of the heel spur and help the body reabsorb it.
Treatments should be continuous 5-7minutes per time with a intensity of .5. Athletic trainers, physical therapist and chiropractors have access to this type of treatment.
Also, I have found that correct alignment of the hips and back can lead to severe heel pain which can result in heel spurs. If the hips and back are out of line then too much pressure can be put on one heel as opposed to the other. This mis-alignment can cause poor biomechanics and cause severe heel pain. A chiropractor can help assess and see if this can be the problem and help correct it.
Water Therapy
Posted by Allen (Cincinnati, Ohio) on 10/20/2007
★★★★★
After reading the anonymous' comments about relieving heel spur pain with soaking the foot in ice water, I decided to give it a try.
I started last Sunday evening soaking in about 3 inches of water with ice cubes for about 5 minutes. I continue doing this 2 times a day and after only 2 days my heel spur pain was gone. I had dealt with this for more than a month, trying custom orthotics, a cortisone shot, stretching exercises and Advil to no avail.
Ice water worked for me too.
Water Therapy
Posted by Anonymous (USA) on 07/13/2007
★★★★★
After getting two cortisone shots, I still had heel spur pain, Cold or hot compresses didn't work for me, and instead of going back to the doctor for a 3rd shot, and another bill to pay, I was determined to try my own remedy. I got one of those plastic Tupperware tubs and filled it w cold water, then I put a tray of ice cubes in it. I soaked my food ankle deep for @30min last night and did the same technique mid afternoon today, and already my heel spur is gone!!. I believe any bone ailment is best cured by submerging in water. You also have better movement in water. Maybe best to get to swimming pool.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Molasses, Baking Soda
Posted by Trudy (Drumbo, Ontario) on 11/30/2009
I really don't suggest the ACV/molasses/baking soda remedy. Just tried it this morning and it worked like a laxative. I was very sick/nauseous for several hours and after about 30 mins of taking it, had terrible diarrhea.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Molasses, Baking Soda
Posted by Debra Mitchell (Largo, Fl) on 09/07/2010
For the person who had a bad reaction - you probably just shocked your system. I bet if you did try again with a much smaller amount & slowly build up you'd be alright. ACV cures so many things. I bet it is all you need, mixed with water. Good luck.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Molasses, Baking Soda
Posted by Ruthie (Winchester, Kentucky) on 05/16/2012
★★★★★
Worked wonders for me, I can walk again!!!!
