Natural Treatments for Bone Spurs
Bony projections formed along the joint, also known as bone spur or osteophytes, normally limit the joint movement and cause pain due to an increase of damaged joint’s surface area.
They are also seen as a sign of degeneration in the spine since they naturally form on the back of the spine and can impinge on nerves, which leave the spine for other parts of the body causing pain in both upper and lower limbs and a numb or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, where spurs can also appear. In extreme cases they have been seen to grow along a person’s entire skeletal structure, along the knees, hips, shoulders, ribs, arms and ankles.
Wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis) is the most common cause of bone spurs. As osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones, your body attempts to repair the loss by creating bone spurs near the damaged area. The extra bone may help increase the amount of surface area for load bearing.
One of the most important steps in the treatment of bone spurs, specially heel spurs is wearing the right size shoes. Here are some natural treatments for bone spurs:
Calcium- Bone spurs, as well as osteoarthritis, can be treated and prevented with a high calcium and mineral diet. It follows that bone spurs can also be treated with high calcium and mineral diet.
Vitamin C- vitamin C is also an important element in collagen formation, and collagen is a major component of cartilage.
Vitamin E- Increase your vitamin E intake, it stimulates cartilage-building in the body.
Vitamin B12- You can also add vitamin B12 to your diet, it stimulates the stem cells in bone marrow to produce red blood cells and contributes to bone health.
Beside mentioned vitamins and supplements, various scientific studies have shown that the following herbs and spices may reduce inflammation in arthritis and bone spurs. One of the most effective natural remedies for bone spur release is ginger. Ginger contains a compound named gingerol which has anti-inflammatory properties. You can add fresh ginger to your juice or make ginger tea and drink it couple of times a day.
The other healing spice is turmeric. Like ginger, turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation all over the body, including in the joints. Some sources recommend apple cider vinegar as an effective remedy in bone spur release. You can mix apple cider vinegar (1 cup) with 64 oz of apple juice and 64 oz of grape juice and drink it several times a day.
Natural Treatments for Bone Spurs
[Last Updated on June 9th 2014]
