How To Relieve Heel Pain With 6 Natural Remedies

In addition to helping to relieve pain and stiffness, these natural remedies provide us with a feeling of rest in our feet. Still not trying them? We tell you how to prepare them.

Heel pain is a common complaint that can arise from many factors. It often occurs under or behind the heel, but it can also affect your side. If the pain is below the heel, it may be due to a condition called plantar fasciitis. If it is behind, then it may be Achilles tendonitis. How to relieve heel pain?

For proper management of this ailment it is important to establish its origin. While over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories may be helpful, other therapeutic measures are sometimes necessary. Therefore, first of all, the ideal thing is to consult a doctor.

If the pain is not due to a serious problem or injury, we can include some natural remedies that provide a sense of relief in the treatment. Of course, they are not a one-size-fits-all pain relief and should be considered merely a supplement. Do you dare to try them?

Natural remedies to relieve heel pain

Since ancient times, a number of natural products have been used to treat ailments. Although many lack scientific evidence, anecdotal data suggests them as possible allies in coping with pain. In this case, we are going to detail some options that could be useful against heel pain.

They are alternatives for external application that, in general, are usually safe to use. However, given the lack of evidence for their effectiveness, they may not work in all cases. In addition, it must be remembered that other treatments may be necessary depending on the origin of the pain. If you want to try them, here are the options.

1. Apple cider vinegar to relieve heel pain

There is no evidence linking external application of apple cider vinegar to relief of heel pain. However, in popular literature it is said that it helps to relax the muscles of the foot, especially when used in baths.

Apparently, as a study published in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research states , this product has a slight anti-inflammatory effect that could be behind this benefit. However, more studies are needed to confirm this. Anyway, if you want to try it, write down the following recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of water (500 ml)
• ½ cup of apple cider vinegar (125 ml)

Preparation

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

How to use

• Next, immerse your feet in the liquid, covering the heel, and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Repeat its use until you feel an improvement.

2. Epsom salts

According to Naoki Umeda, a physician at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Integrative Medicine, Epsom salts help relax muscles and are helpful against various types of pain. It is an ingredient composed of magnesium and sodium sulfate, which would explain its benefits.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of Epsom salts (100 g)
• 3 cups of water (750 ml)

Preparation

• First, dilute the Epsom salts in the right amount of hot water.
• Then pour the solution into a basin.

How to use

• Finally, soak the heel for 20 minutes and pat dry.
• Use it daily until you feel relief.

3. Sage leaves and apple cider vinegar

We have already commented on the effects attributed to apple cider vinegar against this type of pain. In this case, we propose combining it with sage leaves to obtain a relaxing and anti-inflammatory remedy.

According to a post in Advanced Herbal Medicine , sage contains a substance called salvigenin, which acts as a mild pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. Also, in popular literature it is said to help improve circulation. .

Ingredients

• 6 sage leaves
• ½ cup of apple cider vinegar (125 ml)

Preparation

• Start by crushing the sage leaves.
• Then bring them to a boil in a pot with the apple cider vinegar.
• Leave it on low heat for 5 minutes and wait for it to sit at room temperature.

How to use

• Then dip a cotton cloth in the liquid.
• Then fix it on the affected area.
• Let it act for 2 hours and rinse.
• Repeat its use 2 times a day, for 3 or 4 days.

4. Olive oil and clove oil

Clove oil contains an active substance called eugenol which, according to research published in the Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia , has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. In general, it could help reduce the intensity of pain.

It is important to combine it with a carrier oil such as olive, as it can be irritating by itself. Let’s see below how to take advantage of these properties in the case of heel pain.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (30 g)
• 1 tablespoon of clove essential oil (15 g)

Preparation

• First, mix the olive oil with the clove essential oil.
• Next, heat it in the microwave.

How to use

• Check that the temperature is suitable for the skin.
• Afterwards, rub it in with gentle massages.
• Finally, let it absorb without rinsing and repeat its use 2 times a day.

5. Vaseline and cayenne pepper to relieve heel pain

Capsaicin, an active compound in cayenne pepper, acts as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, helping to relieve pain and stiffness.

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal , the topical application of this substance can be a complement to relieve pain in patients who do not respond or do not tolerate other treatments.

Therefore, this ointment with anti-inflammatory properties can serve as a complement to relax the heels in case of shock or other trauma.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of Vaseline (60 g)
• ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder (2 g)

Preparation

• Melt the petroleum jelly in a water bath.
• Then mix it with the cayenne pepper powder.

How to use

• Once the product solidifies, take the amount you consider necessary.
• Then rub it over your heel with a gentle massage.
• Repeat its use 2 times a day.

6. Arnica tincture for heel pain

The evidence on the effects of arnica against pain is still a matter of research. In general, anecdotal data indicate that it has a calming effect in case of pain caused by blows or overexertion.

A study published in the European Journal of Sport Science comments that its topical application can help relieve pain three days after eccentric exercise. However, more evidence is needed.

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon of arnica tincture (2 g)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (30 g)

Preparation

• Combine arnica tincture with olive oil.

How to use

• First massage the product on the heel.
• Afterwards, let it act without rinsing.
• Use it 2 times a day if pain persists.

Did you suffer a blow or injury to your heel? Did your footwear leave you feeling tired? Try these remedies for temporary pain relief. If the symptom is severe or persistent, see your doctor.