Is Epsom salt good for heel spurs?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 22, 2026
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.
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.
Does Epsom salt help heel spur?
By adding Epsom salt to a small tub of warm water, it is possible to soak feet and relieve some of the inflammation from the heel spurs. It is only necessary to add 1 cup to a foot soak. Since Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, it can naturally reduce inflammation just like taking magnesium capsules can.
How do you dissolve a heel spur?
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.
Does soaking in Epsom salt help heel pain?
When you add salt to your soaking water, the extra gradient provided by the salt will draw out even more toxins to reduce inflammation and swelling in your feet. Soaking with Epsom salt (MgS04) is especially effective because of the relaxing and calming effect of Magnesium in the salt.
45 related questions foundWhat does soaking your foot in Epsom salt do?
Reducing inflammation may ease pain and stiffness associated with conditions, such as arthritis and gout. The crystallized compound structure of Epsom salt provides exfoliation of the dead skin on the feet. The foot soak may help decrease roughness and leave the feet softer.
When should you not use Epsom salt?
Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative without medical advice if you have:
- severe stomach pain;
- nausea or vomiting;
- a perforated bowel;
- a bowel obstruction or severe constipation;
- colitis or toxic megacolon; or.
- a sudden change in bowel habits lasting 2 weeks or longer.
How do you get rid of bone spurs without surgery?
Nonsurgical Treatment for Bone Spurs
- Medications. Medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants may be recommended. ...
- Short periods of rest. ...
- Physical therapy and exercise. ...
- Spinal manipulation. ...
- Weight loss. ...
- Injections. ...
- Bone spur removal. ...
- Laminectomy.
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.
How long do heel spurs last?
More than 90 percent of people get better with nonsurgical treatments. If conservative treatment fails to treat symptoms of heel spurs after a period of 9 to 12 months, surgery may be necessary to relieve pain and restore mobility. Surgical techniques include: Release of the plantar fascia.
Will soaking my foot in Epsom salt help plantar fasciitis?
While there's no conclusive evidence that epsom salt baths or foot soaks are detrimental to plantar fasciitis, there's also no real body of evidence that epsom salt baths are significantly more effective that a regular bath or soak.
How long should I soak my sore foot in Epsom salt?
How do I use Epsom salt in a foot soak? Dissolve a half-cup of Epsom salt into a tub or bowl of warm water. Soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes once a week.
Can you use Epsom salt for plantar fasciitis?
What Can I Do at Home to Fix It? Soak feet in an ice water bath for 15-20 minutes or freeze a water bottle and roll it under your foot. Epsom salt bath – Magnesium deficiency is a common cause of tight muscles, soaking can help to relax calf and foot muscles.
What 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 causes heel spurs to flare?
Heel spurs can happen as a reaction to stress and inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis. Over time your body responds to the stress by building extra bone tissue. This extra tissue becomes a heel spur. Most people don't feel pain from their heel spur, but when they do, the pain is like plantar fasciitis pain.
Do bone spurs go away?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is Epsom salt good for swelling of the feet?
Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) may not only help with muscle pain. It may also reduce swelling and inflammation. The theory is that Epsom salt draws out toxins and increases relaxation. Just make sure to get Epsom salts marked with the USP designation.
Do you have to rinse off after an Epsom salt bath?
Insider's takeaway. An Epsom salt bath may relieve pain and discomfort, relax the muscles, and provide stress relief. All you need to do is dissolve about 300 to 600 grams of Epsom salt in the bathtub and sit in it for around 10 to 20 minutes. Make sure to rinse afterward to get rid of excess salt on the skin.
What happens if you put too much Epsom salt in a bath?
Some cases of magnesium overdose have been reported, in which people took too much Epsom salt. Symptoms include nausea, headache, lightheadedness, and flushed skin ( 2 , 10 ). In extreme cases, magnesium overdose can lead to heart problems, coma, paralysis, and death.
Why is vinegar good for your feet?
Because vinegar is antimicrobial, soaking the feet in a vinegar bath for 10 to 20 minutes may help to kill the bacteria or fungi contributing towards foot odor. Clean the feet with a regular, soft soap before and after soaking.
What is the best painkiller for foot pain?
Oral analgesic medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or aspirin are often the first line choice for quick relief of foot pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are also often recommended and can help to reduce inflammation at the same time.