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.
Go Barefoot
Posted by Ccadroz93 (Midlothian, Tx, Usa) on 08/10/2011
★★★★★
I had crippling facciitis. I did the shots (worthless... The shots hurt more than the faciitis and only gave minimal relief) I have a drawer full of every orthotic known to man (none of which took away the pain in my facciia or my heel) I ended up tearing it doing stretches that were recommended and in the end after 2 doctor recommendations had surgery to repair the faciia. 2 years later my foot is still jacked up and I began having the same issue with my other foot. One day I saw a guy actually running barefoot on the street. I did some research to find out what damage I was sure he was doing to his feet and after reading about these "barefooters" I started going barefoot whenever possible. My good foot no longer has any pain at all and my foot that had the surgery has improved dramatically. All the orthotics were doing is holding the facciia in a shortened position which is the problem in the first place.... When I started going barefoot, it was able to stretch naturally. Pain is almost completely gone! Anyone looking for an orthotic collection?? LOL
Avoid Cortisone Shots
Posted by Jc (Midland, Texas, U.s.a.) on 08/09/2011
I acquired a raging case of plantar fasciatis that actually crippled me. I was driving long distances constantly - for years - in a small car with no cruise control. Every time I reached my destination, I would have to crawl on my hands and knees and would have extreme pain for days and weeks on end. My brother built me a pair of sandals with a donut hole in the heel of my right foot... That did no good. Coincidentaly, I had a friend who was undergoing a series of steroid injections to the heels and described it as the worst thing that she had ever endured. I said, "Self; I ain't doin' that. "
What worked like magic for me: I borrowed my husband's 2 inch belt and fastened it into a loop. I would lay on the sofa and put part of the belt on the ball of my foot and pull upward. My goal was to see how far I could pull my foot toward my shin bone, pretending that I was going to touch the shin with my big toe. My timing was for as long as a set of commercials last on t. V. Programs, then give it one, last, long, strong pull - release. I did that for 2 weeks - but the fasciatis was 75% better within 72 hours.
Oh, I also put a can of soup on the floor on my side of the bed and forced all my weight onto my arch first thing in the morning for 5 minutes. From Internet research, I found an illustration that explained this disorder so clearly. The foot being in a 45 degree angle for many hours (on a gas pedal) had allowed my plantar fascia to shrink; the calcaneous (heel bone) was building a calcification ledge trying to reach for the facia. It is not exactly a 'spur'. Don't let anyone give you injections - or God forbid surgery - without trying this remedy.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carla (London, Uk) on 08/08/2011
HI, I got better when I switched to a shoe that bent over just under the toes and had padding under the heel.. There's a lot of info on this on heelspurs.com. It was the only thing that worked for me and I felt it healing for me over a week after months.. The best shoes I found were ECCO shoes. And not all of their shoes either so do try a selection on first. It allows the fascia to stretch properly and is very padded. A life saver really in terms of having mobility back. Good luck!
Gluten-Free Diet
Posted by Andrea (Kiel, Wi, USA) on 08/06/2011
★★★★★
I suffered with painful plantar fascitis for quite a few years. After being diagnosed with celiac disease and adhering to a strict gluten-free diet, all of my plantar fascitis problems vanished. Not sure if this is your problem, but if you or anyone else in your family (it's hereditary and some people have NO symptoms) have digestive issues such as bloating, gas or abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea or both, migraines, anemia, bone or joint pain, you might want to get tested. Good luck!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mark, (Forest Lake, Minnesota) on 08/06/2011
★★★★★
I have suffered from severe pain from plantar fascitis and bone heel spurs on both of my feet for over a year now. I have done excersises(given from a P/T), soaking(epsom saltwater), arch supports(professionally made), prayer, ultrasound, corizone shots(the most painful shot in my entire life--ouch), prescription meds, lots and lots of ibuprofren and other ideas.
My orthopedic doctor says he has tryed just about everything he knows and now is trying to ready me for surgury!!! No way in 'H' 'E' double toothpicks will both my feet be cut open!! No way!
I am now trying the ACV wrap on my heels at night with the hopes that this will give me even a hint of relief from this severe pain, (like knives pushing in at the bottom of my feet). Actually, I am anticipating this life altering condition to get much, much better (Lord willing).
My wife (Wendy) helped to come up with this idea about this uncomfortable wrap. She took a female Pad (Always maxi pad), fold it in the center and cut it in half with a sharp scissors, fold the tabs over in the back. Use about 2 tsp for each half and spread around on one end. Use this end to place against your heel and use cheap paper or sport tape to hold in place. I then use a long, larger tube sock to slide over entire piece(being careful not to pull it out of place), and whulla, a cleaner more practical disposable ACV wrap.
I do seem to been having LESS severe pain since I started the wrap (3 days ago) and now am taking the Apple cider/baking soda mixture drink twice and day. (2 tbs apple cider, 1 tsp. Baking soda, 1 tbs honey, 6 oz. Water) the honey makes it bearable to drink. Ha ha (Twice a day).
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Posted by Dennin (Hemet, Ca.) on 06/24/2011
I have been wearing metatarsal orthotics for almost 20 years, they are the best arch supports around. There is a franchise that sells them in almost every state in the U. S. , Emmit Smith is the spokesperson. His feet hurt so bad when he was on Dancing with the Stars, he now wears them. Look them up, I can wear these orthotics in every kind of shoe style, in sandals I velcro them in, voila!
Plantar fascitis is caused by over extension of the ligments on the bottom of the foot, if the four aches in the foot are supported with the properly sized metatarsal arch structure things will go into a neutral state redistributing the upper body weight on the appropriate bones in the feet. Skeletal posturing occurs, you stand up straight and fatigue diminishes. Amazing stuff happens, yep it does.
Foam Roller
Posted by Laura (Woodberry, Nsw) on 06/22/2011
★★★★★
Re plantar fasciitis and heel spur... The only long time relief I have found are those new walker rocker shoes..... I had tried a lot of things... the stretches, massage, pain killers....these shoes work and if I chose I could again use my other shoes... not sure for how long though...these are the shoes with the curved sole.... they stop the heel strike....
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Posted by Diane (Lake City, Ar) on 05/08/2011
Is there ANY cure for Tarsel (Tarsal) Tunnel Syndrome? I take Lyrica (Gabapentin) and Tramadol which works to a degree. If I do not take it, I am incapacitated. I've tried massages, heating pads, magnesium oil, staying off my feet and elevating them. I read on this site where omitting Aspartame helped with CARPAL Tunnel Syndrome; so, I will try that along with the other suggestions I found on this site for the Carpal. But, the TARSAL Tunnel Syndrome affect the feet and mobility. The pain has radiated up my legs, too. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!!!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Lilyfoot (Manila, Philippines) on 01/24/2011
Micheal from Boston, Ma: Can you please post the formula or recipe on your weak bleach solution soaks on foot, wil b highly appreciated.thanks
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Michael (Boston, Ma) on 01/16/2011
★★★★★
i just want to share the experience I have had with heel spurs and the success I've had with some of the advice here. I could feel hard, linear growths or spurs, perhaps calcifications, under my right heel. Very sore to push on and I could feel them rolling a bit under my thumb. There were times in the past 2 years when I could not walk properly or without pain. Perhaps connected to this I developed an injury under the pad of my right foot near the middle toe probably due to favoring the heel area. Then I developed a plantar's fasciitis in the same foot so that the whole underside was practically paralyzed with pain.
I am a 48 year old lifelong athlete with a regular yoga practice and feel like I'm in good health. This was debilitating and I could no longer do many of the things that were fulfilling for me. I read that rest was the only thing to do and tried to rest and ice the foot while trying to stay active. That really wasn't successful.
Then out of frustration I turned to the web and found this site. In just a few days I have seen incredible change. I purchased msm and have been taking 1000-2000mg hourly with no negative side effects, 1000 mg of magnesium daily, 1000 mg b1 several times a day. I have added calcium, I had been taking none. I have been taking 5000iu vitamin d3 daily, sometimes more. A good b complex as well as a good multivitamin. I have also ben drinking apple cider vinegar with some baking soda. Physically I have been applying an apple cider vinegar, baking soda and molasses soaked pad overnight and during the day in my shoe. I have been massaging regularly with coconut oil and applying arnica afterwards. I have also tried some massage with castor oil. I have been doing band stretches on the foot pulling the toes toward me and pressing back against the band. And lastly I have done some weak bleach solution soaks on the foot. In 2-3 days I can feel the area smoothing out and the pain is diminishing.
This is a first report and I am excited by the prospect of fully healing. I realize that I was probably deficient in calcium and magnesium and will make permanent changes there. You can do this with some determination and hands on massage of your own foot. you have to move through the soreness to begin to generate blood flow and healing, breaking down the scar tissue and buildup in the tissues.
Foot Stretch
Posted by Rexe (Junction City, Ar) on 12/31/2010
★★★★★
This is what I did for plantars fasciiatis, stand straight facing a wall. Place your well foot to the wall, move the sore foot away from the wall-behind you- until you feel a good streach in the back of your leg stretch and release, stretch and release, do this 3 or 4 times, the next day do the same thing, you probably will not notice any change except you can move the sore foot back farther each day, keep doing it everyday, soon the problem will be gone, and you will have no heel pain. It has worked for me and a family member.
Trigger Point Therapy
Posted by Liz (Scranton, Pa) on 08/06/2010
★★★★★
I understand well how terribly painful heel pain can be. It has recurred three times for me, the second time lasting for two years. I had tried countless remedies, orthotics, and devices with limited help. There have been times when I have left my full grocery cart in the store-- not able to stand or walk another minute. Walking from the parking lot into work took everything I had, and often I would use crutches to spare my poor heel. My active lifestyle seemed over. Then, while researching the benefits of deep tissue, self-message, I came across a book on trigger points therapy, that describes the use of a small super ball (35 mm, smaller than a golf ball/one of those knobber things works too) for rubbing around on the bottom of the foot either standing or sitting but with weight on it. The book explains that knots in deep thick muscles of the foot are the cause of the condition that shortens the fascia along the bottom of the foot that in turn causes spurs and other irregularities in the foot's anatomy.
The process is simple: stand or partially stand with as much weight as is bearable on the small super ball under the foot. Roll the ball around from the front of the foot to heel and from side to side DEEPLY, paying special attention to the area directly in front of the heel pad. THIS WILL BE PAINFUL. LIGHTEN UP TILL IT IS BEARABLE. The author describes that it should "hurt so good". This is what is needed to reach the offending trigger points and release them. This should be repeated 4-6 times a day or as often as is convenient. Also, just to the inside of the heel should be deeply messaged with the thumbs as well. I did this for three days, and the pain I thought I would be living with for the rest of my life completely went away! A year later when I felt the first dull ache starting, I again resumed this message, and the pain was gone the next day. Now at least once or twice a week, I use my super ball to prevent the condition. Really works! Just a word about the book: Search on Amazon using "trigger points" There are countless descriptions of self-message techniques that work for relief of pain.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Angela (Sacramento, California Usa) on 06/11/2010
★★★★★
WOW! Thanks John, the GSE worked on my heel pain too! I woke up this morning w/o the pain. I just rubbed the GSE on both heels yesterday mourning and again last night and today the pain is gone. Love, love, love, this site!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cde (Post Falls, Id) on 04/05/2010
★★★★★
My very active 10 year old daughter was suffering for two weeks trying to play soccer, etc but in so much pain she couldn't walk. We took her to the doctor where he Dx her with plantar fasciitis and gave her exercises/stretches which she tried with no immediate success, and stopped doing them. My dad recommended apple cider vinegar (acv) and baking soda and this site. She took 2 Tbsp ACV and 1 tsp baking soda (use a tall glass) in a little juice, twice a day. After ONE day of this she noticed the pain was minimal and she could easily participate in her soccer practices. The pain was completely GONE after a few weeks. She continued taking the mixture for awhile preventatively. It was explained to me that the ACV helps balance out the bodies pH levels which can help with many issues.
Wrapping Foot With Duct Tape
Posted by Lori K (Newport, Va) on 03/27/2010
I have suffered with heel spurs and opted to have them both operated on about 10yrs ago, or so. Now my right foot has symptoms again. Our health insurance no longer covers the foot Dr it did before so I asked my new Chiropractor. I bought 'paper' tape from the drug store (it's not as rough on the tender feet as duct tape). I gently wrapped my instep for 2 weeks, untilII found arch huggers. These are like sturdy ace bandages (a little thicker though). They are sewn together to make a flat seam. I now use this instead of the paper tape. I wear it each day over my socks, inside my sneakers. I take them off at night, and make sure I put this on my bare instep BEFORE I get out of bed each morning. My Plantar Fasciitis is almost 100% better. Plantar Fasciitis is different than heel spur, but maybe if you 'catch' the pain soon enough with the arch support it may not develop into a heel spur? I don't know this, it's just a suggestion. Anything is better than surgery. Good luck to all. Lori K. Newport Va, USA
Foot Stretch
Posted by Corinna (London, Kent, England) on 02/05/2010
★★★★★
I suffered months with debilitating foot pain (plantar fasciitis). Eventually, I found a ridiculously simple cure: Simply stretch the sole of your foot as you take slow steps. Roll over the ball of your feet gently, leave the toes on the ground and then stretch the sole of your feet for a second or two. Repeat 10 to 20 times several times a day. The foot pain got immediately better and generally subsided during the course of 2 or 3 weeks. I have since been pain free for one year.
Supportive Shoes
Posted by Jo-anne (Chilliwack, Bc) on 02/05/2010
★★★★★
I had Planter Faciitis for over a year and found walking to be extremely painful. My doctor told me that I may need surgery and the thought of that made me cringe. As luck would have it, I moved and began seeing a new doctor. I asked him what he would suggest and he pointed at my sandals and told me that his first piece of advise would be to get rid of them. He said to get myself a good pair of supportive shoes and wear them all the time, both indoors and out. I bought a new pair of good runners for outside and a pair just for inside. It felt funny wearing shoes in the house, but I kept it up and within two weeks the pain had lessened and within a month it was completely gone! Who knew that the cure would be so easy? Obviously not my first doctor.
Arch Bands
Posted by Kelly (San Francisco, Ca) on 08/15/2009
I've been suffering from acute plantar fasciitis for about 5 years now. I've tried stretches, exercises, ice, and APC with very little luck, so I finally started on cortezone injections, which only had minimal short term effect. I've recently tried an arch band that has helped exponentially. I can't name the brand, but I found it on a dancer supply website.
It's a fabric band that you wrap around your arch. It has a velcro tab that sticks to the fabric, so it's highly adjustable. Attached inside the fabric is a triangular hard foam pad that acts as an insole... even in sandals or bare feet! You buys a pair of them, but I have extremely high arches, so I double up on the foot the I have the most problems with. They're washable, but the fabric tends to break down a bit over time.
I wear them 24/7, except when I'm in the shower, and I've gone from not being able to walk on my heel at all, to being able to get up in the middle of the night with only minimal pain. I've been using them for about 1 month now and, though they haven't taken all the pain away, I can walk somewhat normally now.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dolly (Everett, WA) on 05/24/2009
I had Plantars Fascitis for a couple years. I used shoes with high arch support, a sandal made in the US, Chaco sandals. I never walked without them in my house even. After a few months it finally went away. It came back a year later, mildly. I made sure to walk only in the shoes indoors too. All gone now. No problem w/ fascitis for 5 yrs. The other problem I found was using a shovel in your garden. DON'T use your foot to press the shovel down.. that is the ultimate insult to the fascia! DO stretch your feet w/ straps, or standing on your toes, like you're reaching for a top shelf, or standing at the edge of a step and stretching your foot that way. Best wishes.
Boots
Posted by Amanda (Cleveland, Ohio) on 05/22/2009
Hi, that sounds like a terrific and simple remedy, but I wanted to point out that the condition that you are describing is not a heal spur. Heal spurs are on the under side of the foot and are due to prolonged cases of plantar fasciitis in which the fascia becomes detached from the bone and a little bump of bone grows in its place. It is the damage to the fascia that causes the pain, not the bone spur itself.
Foam Roller
Posted by Anna (Austin, TX) on 05/08/2009
★★★★★
I've had the plantar fasciitis pretty bad for over a month. I couldn't even walk around the house without being in real pain. I used a firm, foam roller and had one of my kids add a little weight to roll out my calves from the knees down. The very next day the pain was very managable. It's like getting a deep massage. Much more effective than just stretching. The heels still hurt when I stand or sit in one spot for too long. I'm guessing that's the calcium deposit. I'm going to try the ACV treatment. I'm a runner and I'm tired of being sidelined.
Turmeric
Posted by Catherine (NY, NY) on 03/24/2009
Why not make it a regular part of your diet? I buy bags of it at the Indian market for very little money. I use it during my meal preparation several times a week. It tastes wonderful in/ on food and it does help to get rid of boils. I once had a painful boil and placed the turmeric directly on the boil and covered it with a band-aid. Two days later the boil was completely gone. Apparently it helps to reduce inflamation, which is why it helps with arthritis.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Man (FC, CO) on 10/22/2008
★☆☆☆☆
I have had horrible plantar fasciitis pain for year now and have tried everything. My latest attempt was taking ACV too, and it didn't seem to help at all. Other people seem to think it did the trick. I wish I knew a cure. I had to give up running and it's painful to walk.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by John (Eugene, Oregon) on 07/15/2008
★★★★★
One year ago I was supposedly diagnosed with heal spurs and plantar fasciitis. Doc did not want to acknowledge the symptoms of migrating pain and twitching up the leg and into the body. I would at times catch a cold, and would feel it go into my heel, which would then swell so I could not walk. One day out of desperation, I rubbed GSE on it. The next day the pain was gone. A week later, I felt the pain and swelling come back. Again, over night with the GSE say 12 drops on the bottom of the foot, and it was gone the next morning. Simply amazing. I had not considered GSE but had tried: Iodine, DMSO, H2O2, other essential oils, colloidal silver, heating foot packs, magnesium oil rubs and soaks; some of which helped a small bit, but nothing like the GSE. So take it for what it's worth. And thanks Ted.
