Commonly affecting athletes who frequent activities include running and jumping, heel spur is caused due to calcium deposits on the underside of the heel bone. The symptoms include inflammation of tissues and tendons near the spur, pain while walking or jogging, formation of calluses, swelling or redness of the affected part of the heel. The pain that is experienced is often sharp and stabbing. Sometimes that pain can go away to be replaced by a dull throbbing that aggravates while doing activities such as walking, jumping, jogging, or running.

The initial treatments for heel spur relief involve a lot of conservative and non-invasive methods. Doctors may recommend cortisone injections, anti-inflammation medications, or ice compressions to get heel spur relief, especially to get relief from pain. To alleviate pressure on the affected muscles and ligaments, orthotic devices such as heel pads, insoles, heel cushions, and special shoes can be used. These non-invasive treatments for heel spur relief are done for a period of 9 to 12 months. If there is no relief from the inflammation or pain after this period of treatment, surgery is recommended.

To make the non-invasive treatments of help spur relief effective, the following natural tips can be followed:

• Magnesium : Magnesium in the body is essential for the formation of bone and the utilization of calcium. Magnesium-based Epsom salt has been known to be anti-inflammatory and an effective pain reliever. Epsom salt can be added to bath water and the foot affected by heel spur can be soaked in this water for some time. Gently massage the affected heel. Adding magnesium-rich foods such as avocados, bananas, black beans, dried figs, and pumpkin seeds can also help to alleviate inflammation and pain caused due to heel spur.
• Vitamin B5 : Vitamin B5 is essential for an effective healing process. This vitamin prevents nerve damage and impairment, improves muscle strength, reduce pain in the joints, and alleviate joint or muscle fatigue. Foods rich in vitamin B5 include salmon, eggs, lentils, sunflower seeds, and so on. These should be made a regular part of the diet to get heel spur relief.
• Diet rich in alkaline : Am appropriate balance of acids and alkaline is required in the body to maintain a healthy pH balance in the body. This avoids inflammation and build-up of calcium that leads to the formation of heel spur. Most diets are rich in acid levels; the body also generates acids during digestion. This makes it essential to include alkaline-rich foods in the diet for proper maintenance of pH balance. Such foods include green drinks, lemon or lime water, and raw foods.