Back of Heel Pain

SusanR

Cathlete
Hi Cathe,

Several months ago I was running on an indoor track and suddenly I had this terrible pain in the back of my heel. (The area where the back of my shoe is). I haven't been able to get rid of it. I recently had to take 5 1/2 weeks off and it felt okay while I wasn't exercising but I have only been back 1 1/2 weeks and it is starting to hurt again and it isn't from running it is from step.

Do you have any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks,
SusanR
 
Hi SusanR!

Check out my post under Open Discussion on October 24th called "terrible heel pain". See if your symptoms were like mine. I went to doctor and was diagnosed with Plantars Faciitis (spelling?)

Veronica
 
I also have been experiencing pain in that area and have reviewed the symptoms of both plantar xxx(can't remember how to spell the second part) and achilles tendonitis. My symptoms don't appear to exactly match either condition. Unfortunately, since this past Saturday, the pain is not just when I exercise, but when I am just walking around. I have been so depressed. Depending on the way I walk, I have excruciating pain between the ankle and the achilles tendon. It is like a shooting "charlie horse" type of pain that goes away when I move my foot out of the position. It is especially painful when I twist my foot to put it in my shoe. It is not swollen at all. I made an appointment with an orthopedic specialist, but he cannot see me until the end of November! I have discontinued all cardio. I have continued with some limited weight training that does not stress my ankle. It's been almost a week and it doesn't seem any better. Anyway, I commiserate with you in being frustrated with trying to run and/or do step. Hang in there!
 
Hi Veronica,
I read your post and some of the info on Plantar Fascia and I don't fit those symptoms. It doesn't hurt at all on the bottom of my foot/heel. It is up higher on the back of the heel. I thought I may have torn something but taking 6 weeks off didn't fix it.

Thanks,
Susan
 
Hi Susan! While I think you should definitely have this checked out by a doctor, it sounds like it could be the onset of heel spurs to me (medically known as plantar fasciitis).

The heel pain is often associated with a heel spur on the front and bottom of the heel. This could be due to things such as no arch support or suddenly increasing your activity. The pain is usually worse in the morning. The best remedy is usually rest, ice, tape, and night splints to keep your heel relaxed. Then a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises will help nurse it back to normal.

But for now, the first thing to do is to see your doctor and establish the diagnosis. Is your heel pain due to plantar fasciitis or not? Whether it is or is not, he/she will be able to determine this and put you on the proper therapy program. Good Luck!
 
Hi BayouGal,
Sometimes mine hurts when just walking also. I have searched the internet for symptoms like mine and I can't find anything that matches. My pain is just annoying it hasn't gotten to excruciating yet.

Iam sorry your is so painful. Hopefully the doctor can find out what is wrong. I have been contemplating on going to the Doctor.

Good Luck and let is know what you find out at the doctors.

SusanR
 
Thanks Cathe for your response. In reading the symptoms of heel spurs I didn't think it fit my symptoms because it doesn't hurt on the bottom of my foot. I will go to the doctor.

Thanks,
SusanR
 
I don't know what you are doing for your heel pain. Just to let you know I have been there and back-it was a long journey. I even went so far as the cortisone injection. Ultimately what worked for me was a night splint I ordered from Road Runner Sports for about $50. They have a website. The splint was comfortable too. I hope you are not still suffering. I NEVER stopped exercising because of this problem, I don't think rest is something that will cure it. Ice after every workout, use a splint and stretch, stretch stretch!!! Also I think everyone should have orthotics, I wear mine all the time. GOOD LUCK on your journey with plantar fasciitis.
 
arogerson

Thanks for your information. I have been icing and stretching and it has helped. I will look into the splint.

SusanR
 

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