How to Relieve Heel Pain with 6 Natural Remedies

Heel pain is a problem that can be caused by multiple factors. It often develops below or behind the heel, but it can also affect one of the sides. If the pain is below the heel, it can be caused by a condition known as plantar fasciitis. If the pain is behind the heel, it could be Achilles tendinopathy. How to relieve this pain?

For adequate management of this ailment, it’s important to establish its origin. While over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs may be useful, sometimes, other therapeutic measures are necessary. Therefore, first of all, it’s best to consult your doctor and receive a diagnosis.

If the pain isn’t due to a serious problem or injury, you can include some natural remedies that provide relief. Of course, they aren’t a unique solution against pain and should be considered merely a complement. Do you dare to try them?

Natural remedies to treat heel pain

Since ancient times, people use a series of natural products to treat ailments. Although many lack scientific evidence, anecdotal data suggests them as possible allies to cope with pain. In this case, we found some solutions that could be useful against heel pain.

They’re external application alternatives that, in general, are usually safe to use. However, given the lack of evidence on their effectiveness, they may not work in all cases. In addition, you should remember that other treatments may be necessary, depending on the origin of the pain. If you want to try them out, read more about them below.

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a multi-purpose product that’s often used for various medicinal purposes. In this case, we take advantage of its soothing properties, which are ideal for reducing the pain caused by heel injuries.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of water (500 ml)
• 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar (125 ml)

Preparation

• First of all, bring the water to a boil.
• Then, pour it into a bowl and add the apple cider vinegar.

How to use it

• Soak your feet in this liquid for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Repeat until you feel an improvement.

See also: Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Lose Weight?

2. Epsom salts

One of the most popular foot relaxation products is Epsom salts. This ingredient, composed of magnesium and salt sulfate, is easily absorbed through the skin and can help reduce swelling.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of Epsom salts (100 g)
• 3 cups of water (750 ml)

Preparation

• First of all, dilute the Epsom salts in hot water.
• Then, pour this solution into a large bowl.

How to use it

• Finally, soak your heels for 20 minutes and dry carefully.
• Use this every day until you feel relief.

3. Sage and apple cider vinegar

In this treatment, we take advantage of the properties of apple cider vinegar with the analgesic and anti-inflammatory action of sage leaves, as they contain a compound called salvigenin. Therefore, it’s an external use therapy that can support the treatment of injuries. This is because it calms inflammation and improves circulation.

Ingredients

• 6 sage leaves
• 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar (125 ml)

Preparation

• Crush the sage leaves.
• Then, add them to a pot with the apple cider vinegar.
• Bring it to a simmer over low heat for five minutes and let it cool to room temperature.

How to use it

• Soak a cotton cloth in the liquid.
• Then, hold it against the affected area.
• Leave this on for two hours before rinsing.
• Repeat twice a day, for three or four days.

4. Olive oil and clove oil

Clove oil contains an active substance called eugenol, recognized for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory action. In this case, you can combine it with a little olive oil so that its topical application isn’t aggressive.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (32 g)
• 1 tablespoon of clove essential oil (15 g)

Preparation

• First, mix the olive oil and clove essential oil.
• Then, heat them in the microwave.

How to use it

• Make sure the temperature is comfortable for your skin.
• Then, rub it in using a gentle massage.
• Finally, leave it on without rinsing and repeat twice a day.

We recommend you read: 5 Olive Oil Treatments for Your Skin

5. Petroleum jelly and cayenne pepper

Capsaicin, the active compound of cayenne pepper, acts as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, favoring pain relief and stiffness. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, the topical application of this substance can be a complement to soothe pain in patients who don’t respond to or don’t tolerate other treatments.

Therefore, this ointment with anti-inflammatory properties can serve as a complement to relax your heels in case you suffer a blow or other trauma.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of petroleum jelly (60 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (2 g)

Preparation

• Soften the petroleum jelly in the microwave.
• Then, mix in the cayenne pepper.

How to use it

• Once the product has solidified somewhat, take the amount you deem necessary.
• Then, apply it to your heel using a gentle massage.
• Repeat this twice a day.

6. Arnica tincture

Arnica tincture has a calming effect and controls the pain caused by blows. Therefore, it’s a popular remedy for the treatment of external pain. Do you want to relieve your heel pain? Try this solution.

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon of arnica tincture (2 g)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (32 g)

Preparation

• Combine the arnica with the olive oil.

How to use it

• Massage this product into your heel.
• Leave it on without rinsing.
• Use twice a day if your pain persists.

Have you suffered from an injury to your heels? Did your shoes leave your feet feeling sore and tired? If so, try any of the treatments in this article, as you may find some relief. If your pain is severe or persistent, consult your doctor at once.

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