Heel Spur

[thebrayer]

Well I've developed a lovely heel spur and the foot doctor has no remedy other than cortizone, pain killers, and surgery. I'm not feeling like any of the above will work for me. Now I've heard that taking a calcium supplement along with some vitamin D and then having some ultrasound treatments might help. Anyone else have exprenece with this ailment. It's the main reason this past few months that I've been riding my bike instead of going for hikes. Any info would be a help. Thanks.

[big_load]

Of the things you mentioned trying, ultrasound has the most potential, but I'm not up on the success rates for that. Until the underlying problem is solved, have you tried mechanical adaptations? A cut-out heel pad often helps with bone spurs.

[thebrayer]

Thanks I've had an orthopedic pad made for both feet that helps some and I've bought the gel heel pads for both feet and they give some relief but not enough to continue to hike. I have ordered a ultrasound device and will keep everyone posted on my results. I've also had my nutritionist get me a good calcium supplement along with some vitamin D which is hopefully going to help. I really miss my hiking, mountain bike riding is not nearly as much fun.

[SuperstitionGuy]

When I was in my 40's I had the same problem and had orthopedic inserts made for both of my feet. It solved the problem but it took about four months for the problem to completely go away. I always wear them except for my hiking boots which come with enough proper support as is. Hang in there. If the inserts you had made are correct the problem should go away eventually.

[writelots]

I've had that problem for several years now... I use a $25 insert from a website called Heel that pain (dot com). I'm not normally a believer in things like this - but these little blue babies had me feeling better in weeks - and as long as I keep them in my shoes, I seem to avoid it coming back. They say that it uses acupressure, but I think that it's the shape which both stretches and protects the heel. It's uncomfortable for the first few days, but you start to love it eventually. Stretches help, as does rolling a hard ball under your foot while you're sitting for long periods (to keep everything loose and encourage blood flow). Mine kept me off hiking for quite some time - I did a lot of bike work then as well to try to keep in shape. Good luck - those are never any fun.

[thebrayer]

Thank you all for the pointers. I've had my orthopedics in place now for six months and they really haven't helped much. ALso my wedge inserts for about five months, and although they reduce the pain there isn't any real change in the pain when I hike for more than an hour. I'm waiting for the ultrasonice device and I've started on my calicum and I hope that these will help. I plan to hike reguardless come March before it starts getting to hot again. Once I've been on my new treatment for two months I'll post here on how it's working. Thanks again for all your help.

[thebrayer]

Update on my heel spur. Well I've been on calcium and using a ultra sonic device and after three weeks I'm having a lot of relief. I went on that three mile loop hike on the Ballentine trail today and I was able to walk when I got home. Not much pain at all. I'll continue the calcium and ultra sound and keep you all posted.

[PaleoRob]

Glad to hear about the improvement!

[cathymocha]

I've been told that the original cause of heel pain, spurs, plantar fasciitus is from shoes with high heels on the them, such as high heels and cowboy boots. Painful indeed so glad you have found help.