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DISORDERS
(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,
causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)
Disorder: BONE OR HEEL SPURS
Description: A bone spur is a pointed growth on a bone, most commonly in the heel.
Symptoms: A bone spur can lead to the formation of tiny tumors at the end of several nerves, and these may be very painful.
Incidence:
Causes: Bone spurs may be caused by calcium deposits. Most people who have heel disorders are middle-aged or overweight. Heel spurs are also common in people who have arthritis, neuritis, alkalosis and tendinitis. Uncomfortable shoes may contribute to the pain.
Treatments: See recommendations.
Nutrients:
Supplement Dosage Comments
|
Betaine hydrochloride (HCl) |
As directed on label. |
Needed for calcium uptake. A deficiency is more common in elderly people. Caution: Do not use if you have a history of ulcers. |
|
Calcium And Magnesium |
1500 mg. daily 750 mg. daily |
A proper balance of calcium and magnesium helps prevent abnormal calcium deposits. |
|
Vitamin C |
2000-4000 mg. daily |
Acts as an anti-inflammatory; important for collagen and connective tissue. |
|
Bioflavonoids |
100 mg. daily |
Vitamin C activators that also help relieve pain. |
|
Vitamin B Complex |
50-100 mg. daily |
Necessary for production of hydrochloric acid, which helps prevent bone spurs by aiding proper calcium absorption. |
Herbs:
 | Use arnica and chamomile to bathe the foot. You can also wrap the herbs in a cloth and apply it to the affected area as a poultice. |
Recommendations:
| Do not eat any citrus fruits, especially oranges. Eliminate alcohol, coffee and sugar from your diet. These inhibit the healing process and upset the body’s mineral balance. |
| Select well-made, rubber-heeled shoes; these are better for the feet than leather. Choose footwear for comfort, not for looks. Some jogging shoes can be very comfortable. Adding heel cushions to footwear helps to relieve pain. |
| To relieve pain, use hot linseed oil packs. Place linseed oil in a pan and heat but do not boil it. Saturate the cloth with the oil and apply it to the affected area. Cover it with a piece of plastic that is larger in size than the cloth. Place a heating pad over the plastic to keep the pack warm. Keep the pack in place for one-half to 2 hours. |
| Ice massages on the bottoms of the feet can be helpful. Alternate between hot and cold foot baths. |
| If you normally walk or jog for exercise, try bicycling or swimming instead. |
Considerations:
| Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) applied topically to the affected area, is good for relief of acute symptoms. |
| It is best not to have a heel spur surgically removed unless it is extremely irritating or painful. |
Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:
|
Product No 59618- |
Description |
Comments |
Cost |
|
015-15TW |
Betaine HCl with Pepsin |
As directed on label |
$12.40/100 |
|
498-17 |
Calcium 600 with D Tablets |
2 tablets daily |
$5.75/120 |
|
232-15 |
Magnesium 200 mg. caps. |
3 capsules daily, take with calcium |
$4.95 |
|
970-12 |
Vitamin C 1000 mg. w/Rose Hips Tabs. |
2 – 4 tablets daily |
$5.75/60 |
|
091-15 |
Citrus Bioflavonoids 1000 mg. tablets |
1 tablet daily |
$5.95/100 |
|
890-15 |
B Complex 100 mg. tabs. |
1 tablet daily |
$8.95/100 |
Sources:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Edition
By James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.
