Walking and Heel Pain

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-21-2003
Walking and Heel Pain
4
Fri, 08-22-2003 - 5:55pm
I'm new to these boards, so if I'm in the wrong place, just kindly lead me in the right direction. I'm a walker - until recently, that is. I developed heel pain, and the doctor advised it was a bone spur. This has pretty much put a stop to my routine. I've had two cortisone injections, to no avail. I've found a little help in exercises I discovered on the net and Advil helps a bit, but if I try and walk a mile or so, the next day it kills, especially those first few steps out of bed in the morning. Anybody else have any experience with this? Any suggestions on alternate exercise?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 08-22-2003 - 7:38pm
Hi Sophia,

Welcome to the board. :) I'm so sorry to hear about your heal pain though, not fun!

>>the doctor advised it was a bone spur. This has pretty much put a stop to my routine. I've had two cortisone injections, to no avail. I've found a little help in exercises

**I'm glad you did get to the Dr. and get it checked out. Always wise I think. Good on the exercises that might help it. Did the Dr. have any other suggestions?

I'm not sure if this might help but worth a try. :)

http://www.ivillagehealth.com/features/checkups/pages/0,,579179_580833,00.html

And here's a place where you also might get some answers. It's an Ask the iVillage Health Librarian.

http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhintro?redirCnt=1

Also someone here might have some suggestions so keep checking back. :) While you work on what's happening with your foot, perhaps you could join us on our journey to become more fit and healthy. We walk and/or exercise, drink lots of water and try to eat healthy and have fun here while doing it. We'd love to have you. :)

~Golly

Edited 8/22/2003 7:40:38 PM ET by cl-ibgollyg


Edited 8/22/2003 8:23:41 PM ET by cl-ibgollyg

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2002
Fri, 08-22-2003 - 8:26pm
>> I've had two cortisone injections, to no avail.

**Hey Sophia, weren't those injections awful! A few years ago now I had a similar problem to yours to the point that I couldn't play golf or even walk around the supermarket without experiencing severe pain. The injections (two) made no difference at all. I finally ended up seeing an orthopaedic surgeon who handed me a series of exercises to do to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendons. You could ask your doctor to let you know specific exercises to stretch these tendons.

I had to do 180 stretches a day for six months, but after about two weeks could actually walk the golf course again. NOTHING SHORT OF A MIRACLE. A lot of people I recommend this to soon grow tired of the stretching and consequently continue to suffer but I guarantee you they will work. You may not have to do that many of course, but my next step was surgery - NO WAY!

Now I stretch my foot before gym and after gym and before walking long distances or playing golf. I also stretch my foot if the tendon gets sore.

Good Luck. Heel pads help a little, some people wear orthotics and even rolling your foot across a milk bottle or similar to help stretch the tendon helps. Antiinflammatories can help in the short term. Hilary

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 08-22-2003 - 9:22pm
WELL! I work w/ a guy who has them (bone spurs) He had special arches made 4 his shoes. He is 36 years old--so its NOT an old age thing. he just looked in the phone book --i guess under podiatry--or medical supply. if not go on line. I also have a friend who is 49 who had 1 removed..2 weeks on crutches after.They have to literally dig it out. But hers was really bad.I hear they are VERY painful.Good -luck--I hope I helped. This is a common but PAINFUL promblem! xoxoxo mel

"Mel on Wheels"    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 08-22-2003 - 9:34pm
Hi Sophia,

Welcome to our board! Great to see you here :)

Sorry to say I am not familiar with this hon :::blush:::

However I see golly has passed on some information to you that I hope helped.

Also others have added their knowledge .. Keep checking as more will as well.

Let us know if you find something that works for you ..

Perhaps we'll see you back here again too :)

~Hugs~

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