Expert: Dr. Thomas M.Walter, M.D. - 3/24/2004

Question
Dear Dr. Walter;
Thank you for reading my question.
I have had plantar fasciitis for the past year and recently had an x-ray which showed that I have a heel spur.  I had a shot of cortozone last dr's visit which has eleviated the pain of my platar fasciitis, but now the heel spur is becoming quite irritating.  I was wondering if you knew of any herbal/holistic remedy that might help a heel spur?  I see a massage therapist twice a month for my well being(which she has been working on my foot)  I would much rather try an alternative solution if possible,instead of more shots (or maybe eventually surgery!)
Any information or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!  
Thank you in advance for your time. Have a great day!
Colleen

Answer
Dear Colleen,

    Sorry for my late answer.     

    In Plantar fasciitis, the patient experiences unbearable pain under the heel particularly during walking when the weight of the body is carried by the heel.  The cause seems to be a small tear in the attachment of plantar fascia to the os calcis.  Non-specific infection from non-specific urethritis or from specific gonococcal infection may develop this condition.  Sometimes a bony spur may be seen at the attachment of the plantar fascia.  This may or may not be the cause of pain.

        In your case, the heel spur you are having seems to be the reason.  Occasional cortozone shots are useful especially in acute conditions where the pain is unbearable.  But don't go for frequent steroid injections because of their undesirable side-effects.  Physiotherapy also helps to improve your condition and you can continue giving massage.

    Regarding herbal therapy, in my clinical practice, I usually prescribe the following Ayurveda tablets (available in India) for Plantar fasciitis, often with good results.

Tab. R-Compound (Alarsin Pharmaceuticals)

Tab. Sallaki plus

Tab. Rumayogh

Tab.  Maha yoga raj gugullu (Dabur Pharmaceuticals), etc.

Thanks,
Walter.

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