Can I apply Honghua oil if I have a bone spur on my heel?
Disease description:
My heel has been hurting since I developed a bone spur, especially after walking for a prolonged period. I heard that Honghua oil can promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. I wonder if it is effective for bone spurs?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Safflower oil is a traditional Chinese medicine, whose main ingredients include safflower oil and menthol. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, reducing swelling and relieving pain. Indeed, it can provide some degree of relief for minor muscle aches and joint pain.
However, when it comes to structural bone issues such as heel spurs, the effectiveness of safflower oil is quite limited. Safflower oil cannot replace professional medical treatment. If the pain persists or worsens, it is recommended to seek medical examination at a hospital immediately.
In treating heel spurs, it is essential to first make a clear diagnosis, rule out similar conditions, and assess the size, location of the spur and its impact on surrounding soft tissues. Based on the specific circumstances, an appropriate treatment plan can then be formulated. Treatment options may include physical therapy, wearing suitable insoles or shoes to improve foot biomechanics, using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation, receiving local corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation, and in rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
