How do you get rid of heel spurs without surgery?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 20, 2026
Non-Surgical Treatments for Heel Spurs
- Stretching exercises.
- Shoe recommendations.
- Taping or strapping to rest stressed muscles and tendons.
- Shoe inserts or orthotic devices.
- Physical therapy.
- Night splints.
What is the fastest way to heal a heel spur?
Heel spur treatments
- Ice packs after walking and exercise.
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin.
- Injections of anti-inflammatory medications such as cortisone.
- Stretching exercises, especially before bed.
- Physical therapy.
- Resting your feet.
How do you dissolve a bone spur in your heel?
The only way to get rid of heel spurs entirely is by having surgery to remove the growths. However, doctors typically reserve surgery for cases that do not respond to any other treatments. According to the AAOS, surgery is a last resort because it can lead to chronic pain.
How do you dissolve heel spurs naturally?
How to dissolve bone spurs naturally
- 1 – Stretching. Stretching your toes, feet, and ankles can alleviate pressure and strain whether you experience a toe bone spur or a heel bone spur. ...
- 2 – Footwear. ...
- 3 – Ice packs. ...
- 4 – Vitamins and supplements. ...
- 5 – Massage therapy.
Can a heel spur go away on its own?
Do heel spurs go away without surgery? Once formed, heel spurs are permanent. Surgery is the only way to remove a heel spur. Since heel spurs usually don't hurt, treating the condition that caused your heel spur should help ease your heel pain.
42 related questions foundWhat happens if a heel spur goes untreated?
For some patients, these deposits don't cause any discomfort. For many more, however, heel spurs can result in significant, even debilitating, pain. Left untreated, spurs in the heel can limit your activity significantly, with many patients unable to bear any weight on the affected foot.
What caused heel spurs?
Heel spurs are often caused by strains on foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Heel spurs are especially common among athletes whose activities include large amounts of running and jumping.
Does apple cider vinegar dissolve heel spurs?
Treating Your Heel Spur
The most effective remedies include Epsom salts, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and coconut oil. Also, it is important to note that people suffering from heel spurs should take a rest whenever possible.
Does baking soda help heel spurs?
Baking soda is an effective way to treat heel spurs. It will ease the pain, reduce inflammation and help you get rid of these unwanted spurs. Take one tablespoon of baking soda with some water to form a paste. Apply this paste on the affected area and let it sit until it dries completely.
Will Epsom salt help heel spurs?
One natural solution for healing a heel spur is to soak the foot in a warm bath with Epsom salt, which helps relieve the inflammation and pain associated with the heel spur.
Do bone spurs go away naturally?
Unfortunately, bone spurs don't go away on their own.
If addressed quickly with a podiatrist, your bone spurs can be treated using non-invasive methods. Some of those methods include: Daily stretching and low-impact exercises.
What vitamin is good for bone spurs?
Vitamin K2 plays an important role in joint health. When soft tissue or joints are damaged due to injury or stress, the body responds with inflammation and repair. This process can result in scar tissue accumulation and over many years can build up causing bone spurs and permanent damage.
Can a bone spur go away without surgery?
Because, without surgery, we can only control the pressure and tension hitting your bone spur. But we can't stop it completely. That's why, if you want a cure for bone spurs, you'll have to look at more invasive options. Because the only way for a spur to be completely removed is with surgery.
What are some exercises for heel spurs?
Exercises
- Foot flex. This simple stretch is especially beneficial to do right when you wake up when you're sitting up in bed. ...
- Calf stretch on a step. This exercise provides a deep stretch to the calves. ...
- Toe towel grab. ...
- Wall calf stretch. ...
- Wall squat calf stretch.
How can I prevent heel spurs?
Wearing unsupportive flip flops often is a definite way to set yourself up for heel spurs. The team at Go Feet can help you choose shoes that are smart for your chosen activity, whether that's running, hiking, dancing, or a job that has you on your feet all day.
How do you stretch out a heel spur?
Bend one knee while pushing through your heel on the opposite leg to stretch your calf. Alternate back and forth several times. Foam roll calf: Sit with your leg straight out in front of you. Place the roller under the calf on your painful side.
Can apple cider vinegar help with bone spurs?
It may be of interest to know that this abnormal bony growth can be effectively and simply treated with a number of home remedies for heel spur. Apple cider vinegar is an effective home remedy. Dip a cotton towel or cotton bandage in apple cider vinegar, fold it up and place it on your heel.
How much apple cider vinegar should you drink for inflammation?
Combine 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of water. Add ice for a chilled option (particularly refreshing right after you workout or wake up in the morning), or drink at room temperature.
What foods cause heel spurs?
Causes of bone spurs in the heel
Contributing foods and ingredients include high-fructose corn syrup, soda, apple juice, fluoridated water, other refined sugars, and animal protein. Virtually any fast-food meal sets the stage for making the body prone to kidney stones.
What is the home remedy for heel pain?
If you're finding that heel pain is getting in the way of your daily activities, try these quick tips for relief.
- Apply lavender essential oil. ...
- Wear supportive shoes. ...
- Use orthotics. ...
- Wear a night splint. ...
- Replace old athletic shoes. ...
- Stretch. ...
- Massage. ...
- Apply ice.
How long do heel spurs last?
The plantar heel spur is attached to the plantar fascia, and has a short healing time of 3 to 4 weeks. Posterior heel spur recovery can be up to 3 months due to its attachment and surgical repair of the achilles tendon.
Does ice help bone spurs?
Those suffering from heel spurs can use ice packs and cold compresses to help reduce any inflammation, which in turn will help to reduce any discomfort or pain. An ice pack needs to be wrapped in a cloth so that the ice is not directly next to the skin. A cold compress can also be used to offer relief.
What is the difference between plantar fasciitis and heel spur?
Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the heel as a result of a tight or strained plantar fascia tendon. A heel spur is a calcium deposit that causes a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. It can also cause sharp pain in the heel, but this is more rare.
Do heel spurs hurt all the time?
It's a common assumption — and a heel spur can cause foot discomfort. However, only 50% of people who have heel spurs actually feel any pain because of it.
Can Too Much Vitamin C cause bone spurs?
Cause bone spurs
According to the Arthritis Foundation, one study found that the presence of very high vitamin C levels in the body increased the likelihood of a person developing painful bone spurs.