Heal my Heel Spur My dog is barking constantly.

BetsyDP
on 11/9/09 9:00 am - East Lansing, MI
I have lost 60lbs and have developed a heel spur on my left heel.  After having been ill from an ulcer and not being about to work out I was hoping to start excercising, but I can barely stand.  I read some where that calciu, deficiency could be to blame.  I've been stretching my foot several times a day with no relief. Any suggestions?

    
Judi J.
on 11/9/09 10:10 am - MN

my husband got a heel spur and is training for a marathon. Here is what his trainer has him doing. It is getting better while he runs on it. I'll be honest, I couldn't do it.

First, he rolls his heel on a golf ball if he is sitting at the computer
Second, he stretches before getting out of bed in the morning

Third (and worst) he soaks his foot in ice water for 30 minutes twice a day. He bought these foam things that fit over his toes to help but his foot is bright red when he is done. I asked my doctor if all of this icing could be hurting his circulation and she said it actually helps circulation. Brrrr

He has been doing this for quite some time since he is training so hard. that is why it takes longer to heal but this is working.

talk to a trainer. somewhere in the mix a heating pad has been added also but that is recent. He ran 22 miles this weekend and his heel is still improving.

best of luck to you, heel spurs hurt!

(deactivated member)
on 11/9/09 10:14 am
 Orthotics really helped me, the stretches not so much. 
BetsyDP
on 11/9/09 10:33 am - East Lansing, MI
Thank you.  Which orthodics did you use?  I was thinking of getting the Dr. Schoels

    
lms123
on 11/9/09 10:51 am
Hey there--I went to a podiatrist way back when I got my first heel spur during Isaac' pregnancy.  He fitted me for orthodics.  I think it's worth it to go that route rather than the drug store version, especially if you are in that much pain. 

Cute title!

"What other people think about you is none of your business."

        
BetsyDP
on 11/9/09 9:14 pm - East Lansing, MI
Funny to see your post here.  I guess I have to make another appointment!

    
lms123
on 11/10/09 3:30 am
Why were you up so fricking early?

"What other people think about you is none of your business."

        
(deactivated member)
on 11/9/09 10:55 am
Getting fit by a podiatrist is the best way to go, if you can. At the time of my heel spur, I did not have the funds to cover that, so I used the Dr. Scholl's specifically for heel spurs. 

They worked great, but you have to wear them always. As my podiatrist told me, you have to fight that urge to kick off your shoes when you get home. I wore them from the time I got dressed until bedtime.
mylittleblackdress
on 11/9/09 10:53 am - FL
I've had this problem for years.  Ultimately I had to see a podiatrist who put me in custom orthotics.  The spurs are caused by tension on the support structure in the foot.  The arch loses its support, pulls on the bone and results in painful heel spurs and plantar fascitis.  The resulting foot pain is awful and, as you know, very difficult to deal with.

For some it takes time to become accustomed to the orthotics, but once you do life is good.  Ibuprofen helps relieve some of the inflammation and pain from the plantar fascitis.  I've found over-the-counter orthotics make little if any difference and are a waste of $$.  An alternative source for custom orthotics is a licensed pedorthist (not a misspelling).  They use medical-grade cork which is very long-lasting and is softer and more flexible.  I know, I just had some made a few months ago and they are very comfortable.  American Podiatrists use a hard plastic base covered with a thin layer of leather.  They last a long time but can be hard to get used to and may need to be modified a few times until they fit just right.  I've adjusted to mine but they did nothing for the slight difference in the length of my legs which was causing hip and knee pain, too.  The cork ones compensated for that since the pedorthist observed my gait and asked lots of questions then molded it accordingly.  Both types are made from a mold of your foot.  Either way, the cost is about $300-$350.  Not cheap but well worth it in the end.

I hope this helps.  Good luck and I hope you feel better.

Lisa
MarciRenee
on 11/9/09 11:40 am, edited 11/9/09 11:41 am - IA
I have/had plantar facitis so I feel your pain!  I would go with the professionally made orthotics - the over the counter things did jack for me and were a waste of my money.  Mine was so bad for awhile that I had to wear this boot thing to bed to keep my foot in the right position - SEXY, let me tell ya!!

Hope you get it figured out, b/c foot pain is the worst!!
Marci       
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