Heel spur problem

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2012-02-12 6:49 AM

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Subject: Heel spur problem
I posted this  a different section, but thought I might get more feedback over here.

I've been having recurring pain at the rear of my left heel caused by a bone spur. The doctor gave me a script for Voltaren, which didn't do a thing to alleviate the pain. Advil helps, but I don't really want to go on a daily regimen of Advil. After a few weeks of rest it gets better, then starts up again when I run. I really don't want to give up running and was wondering if there is a shoe that give more space in the heel, to prevent irritating the tendon when I run. I currently run in Kayanos and do wear orthotics that give me a slight heel lift.

Anyone out there that has dealt with a similar issue??

2012-02-13 12:15 PM
in reply to: #4042771

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Subject: RE: Heel spur problem
My wife got over it by resting and then stretching with a roller pin 3 time a day. It took awhile but she is good now.
2012-02-13 1:14 PM
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Subject: RE: Heel spur problem
Sounds like you went to your MD... might be better of seeing a PT or sports chiro who does soft tissue work.  Meds will decrease symptoms but the smarter way to go is to have your gait looked at, soft tissue care and strengthen.  Shoes are important for sure but gait is more important.... try getting one done by a place that will not try to sell you an orthotic like all running shops do now.  Try Running Analysis Online?
2012-02-14 6:35 AM
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Subject: RE: Heel spur problem
There is someone that my wife knows from her training group that does gait analysis and I had been planning to have him take a look at me. The PT suggestion is definitely next on my list. I did try stretching, but that seemed to irritate the tendon more, so I backed off.
2012-02-14 8:49 AM
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Subject: RE: Heel spur problem

Is the spur on the bottom of your heel as in what generally occurs with Plantar Fasciitis, or is the spur on the back of the heel?  My aunt had a heel spur on the back of her heel bone and eventually could only wear slingback shoes and sandals with no back on them.  After about 2 years, she finally had to have surgery to have the spur removed.  If it's a spur on the bottom you can treat it like  you would PF.  Rolling, stretching, orthotics, night splint, NSAIDS, etc....

jami

2012-02-14 4:31 PM
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Subject: RE: Heel spur problem
Unfortunately, it's on the back of the heel.Frown

2012-02-14 6:37 PM
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Subject: RE: Heel spur problem

Well, after my aunt had the spur removed and recovered she went back to all her former activities.  I believe they shaved the bone and had to do some repair to her achilles tendon because she had let it go for so long.  but seriously after about 12 weeks of recovery she was able to start walking and after about 16 weeks from surgery she was back to teaching her fitness classes.  Her doctor told her it could come back, but it's been 10-12 years and she hasn't had any further problems.

jami

2012-02-15 5:24 AM
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Subject: RE: Heel spur problem
I've been there, done that and gotten the t-shirt; twice. I have had surgery on both of mine and couldn't be happier with the outcome. All the conservative approaches didn't help at all. I had calcium deposits, a hagulud's deformity (a hook on the back of the heel which tears into the achilles tendon) and mucoid degeneration and achilles tears. A real mess. But the surgery, as greusome as it sounds, fixed everything. The surgeon detached the achilles at the heel base, splits and lifts it, the does a debridement to remove any sections which aren't going to be healthy tendon again. Sutured together the partial tear. Shaved off the hagulund's defromity hook. Inserted screws and cables to strengthen the area and closes up.

After having the left one done, I had the right one done 3 years later. Very happy with the outcome despite the process of being laid up for 6 to 9 months.

Check out http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp... for details.

Also, read and ask at www.heelspurs.com
2012-02-15 6:54 AM
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Subject: RE: Heel spur problem

The doctor did mention surgery as an alternative, but stated there could be complications and said he usually reserves that for the professional athlete. I'm 64 and the thought of laying off exercise for 6-9 months doesn't sit too well. I'm at the point where I'm ready to just deal with the pain and keep doing what I do.

Pitt...love the race/surgery report!!



Edited by pholahan 2012-02-15 6:55 AM
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