Heel pain

[BEG]

I know I have a lot of "issues" but I have a new one. A few days after Christmas I started having heel pain (left foot). I had an appointment with my rheumatologist Tuesday and told him about it. He asked me if I had been on my feet a lot lately and I told him for four days straight I was on my feet during Christmas. I stand more on my left foot because my right "stroke" leg is kind of awkward and I tend to walk/stand on the right side of my right foot. Our new house is slab foundation with the majority of it wood on a slab foundation and I was in my socks without shoes for most of the time.

My rheumatologist said to look up stretches and to ice it frequently (I have yet to do it) and it should go away soon. It seems like it is getting worse everyday. I can't walk normally now, it hurts so badly.  Anyone have any tips to releve the pain?  I plan on doing the stretches and icing it, the reason I haven't yet is I just got home from my trip to Dallas and I hadn't had the time.

On another note, my rheumatologist put me on methotrexate and frolic acid (you have to take frolic acid when you take methotrexate). He thinks my auto immune crap is acting up (not the Takayasu's arthritis but the wrist pain in my left hand and now my right thumb and my uveitis) and he wants to knock it out instead of letting it simmer below the surface and turn into a "fire".

I have taken methotrexate before and didn't have too many problems with it. You have to have regular bloodwork when you are taking it to make sure it doesn't screw your liver up. I have actually been thinking I have needed to be on it for over a year because of my reoccurring uveitis but my doctors in CA didn't think I was at that point yet. I am so glad to be back with my rheumatologist in Dallas, he knows me and my health issues well. I have been with him since I was diagnosed with Takayasu's arthritis back in 1995.  He (along with my neurologist) I feel saved my life.

Anyway, back to the heel pain (plantar fasciitis)...anyone ever had it?  Any tips?

[CactusCarlos]

I know I have a lot of "issues" but I have a new one. A few days after Christmas I started having heel pain (left foot). I had an appointment with my rheumatologist Tuesday and told him about it. He asked me if I had been on my feet a lot lately and I told him for four days straight I was on my feet during Christmas. I stand more on my left foot because my right "stroke" leg is kind of awkward and I tend to walk/stand on the right side of my right foot. Our new house is slab foundation with the majority of it wood on a slab foundation and I was in my socks without shoes for most of the time.

My rheumatologist said to look up stretches and to ice it frequently (I have yet to do it) and it should go away soon. It seems like it is getting worse everyday. I can't walk normally now, it hurts so badly.  Anyone have any tips to releve the pain?  I plan on doing the stretches and icing it, the reason I haven't yet is I just got home from my trip to Dallas and I hadn't had the time.

On another note, my rheumatologist put me on methotrexate and frolic acid (you have to take frolic acid when you take methotrexate). He thinks my auto immune crap is acting up (not the Takayasu's arthritis but the wrist pain in my left hand and now my right thumb and my uveitis) and he wants to knock it out instead of letting it simmer below the surface and turn into a "fire".

I have taken methotrexate before and didn't have too many problems with it. You have to have regular bloodwork when you are taking it to make sure it doesn't screw your liver up. I have actually been thinking I have needed to be on it for over a year because of my reoccurring uveitis but my doctors in CA didn't think I was at that point yet. I am so glad to be back with my rheumatologist in Dallas, he knows me and my health issues well. I have been with him since I was diagnosed with Takayasu's arthritis back in 1995.  He (along with my neurologist) I feel saved my life.

Anyway, back to the heel pain (plantar fasciitis)...anyone ever had it?  Any tips?

[Raises hand]

Haven't had it in awhile, but stretching like this seemed to help when it did.  

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COVU-5JIBEs[/youtube]

I heard about something like this, thinking about trying it the next time it flares up:

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&cp=20&gs_id=1q&xhr=t&q=plantar+fasciitis+relief&pq=plantar+fasciitis&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1270&bih=727&safe=on&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=9474740831681498083&sa=X&ei=o-MET7GsKcqrgwe6o9ytAg&sqi=2&ved=0CIcBEPMCMAY

[DLR Pyro]

I've got it in my right foot only. The first steps of the day are the most painful. Walking seems to be the best stretching to loosen it up.

[BEG]

What the hell, my auto correct inserted frolic for folic. I know what folic acid is. 

[BEG]

[Raises hand]

Haven't had it in awhile, but stretching like this seemed to help when it did.  

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COVU-5JIBEs[/youtube]

I heard about something like this, thinking about trying it the next time it flares up:

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&cp=20&gs_id=1q&xhr=t&q=plantar+fasciitis+relief&pq=plantar+fasciitis&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1270&bih=727&safe=on&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=9474740831681498083&sa=X&ei=o-MET7GsKcqrgwe6o9ytAg&sqi=2&ved=0CIcBEPMCMAY

Hey thanks for that link to the foot brace thing.  I have one for my right leg that a orthopedic surgeon gave me to wear at night to help stretch my tendons/muscles to help with me with walking on the outside of my foot. When I had the stroke it affected my right side and your muscles on the affected side tend to tense up and cause drop foot. It looks very similar to the brace you posted and holds your foot in the same position. It goes a little more up you leg than the one you posted though. I went and found it in a box I hadn't unpacked and you can use it on either foot so I put it on. I hope it helps. It caused my right foot to go numb so I couldn't wear it all night long like I was suppose to, I hope it doesn't do it to the left foot.

[Wineslob]

BEG, you may not have the same issue, but what I have are bone spurs in both feet and ankles. If the heel pain is on the bottom inside of the foot, between the heel and ball of the foot, and feels like your foot is being torn apart, it could be spurs. It's usually really bad first thing in the morning, if I haven't been using my orthotics.
 
 I have to use custom orthotics at all times, or I end up crippled. I cannot run, jump, or otherwise "impact" my feet......ever. However, walking, backpacking and other "like" activities are actually good for my condition.
 
 You might be able to use the Dr Sholls (if you need ortho's) or go to the Good Feet store and be fitted.

[Eupher]

Just a quick word about stretching exercises - you should avoid "bouncing" as that can lead to a problem you really don't want.

Just stretch and hold it for 10-15 seconds, or longer if you can. But no bouncies.

[cmypay]

My f-i-l has plantar fascitis and rolls a tennis ball under the arch of his foot when he's sitting. Says it helps.

[BEG]

BEG, you may not have the same issue, but what I have are bone spurs in both feet and ankles. If the heel pain is on the bottom inside of the foot, between the heel and ball of the foot, and feels like your foot is being torn apart, it could be spurs. It's usually really bad first thing in the morning, if I haven't been using my orthotics.
 
 I have to use custom orthotics at all times, or I end up crippled. I cannot run, jump, or otherwise "impact" my feet......ever. However, walking, backpacking and other "like" activities are actually good for my condition.
 
 You might be able to use the Dr Sholls (if you need ortho's) or go to the Good Feet store and be fitted.

It is in my heel not between the heel and the ball of my foot. I have never had any pain in the bottom of my feet/heel. I did have some arthritis pain in the toe next to my big toe on my left foot about 5 years ago and a painful lump on the top of my left foot between my pinky toe and next toe a few months ago (can't remember what it's called but it was related to my auto immune crap) but this is totally unrelated and different type of pain. 

Like right now I'm laying in my bed with my feet up and I can feel where the pain is but it's not bad. As soon as I get up and put weight on it it hurts really bad. I can hardly walk and I don't think I could walk well enough to go grocery shopping (which I really need to do).

I have iced it and done some of the stretching and it has helped some.

[BEG]

Just a quick word about stretching exercises - you should avoid "bouncing" as that can lead to a problem you really don't want.

Just stretch and hold it for 10-15 seconds, or longer if you can. But no bouncies.

Thanks for that tip, when I first started doing the stretches on the stairs I was "bouncing" a little and my husband told me not to. You saying it again has drilled it into my head. Thanks again!

[Eupher]

Thanks for that tip, when I first started doing the stretches on the stairs I was "bouncing" a little and my husband told me not to. You saying it again has drilled it into my head. Thanks again!

Glad to help. 

[thundley4]

Thanks for that tip, when I first started doing the stretches on the stairs I was "bouncing" a little and my husband told me not to. You saying it again has drilled it into my head. Thanks again!

Normally we like watching women bounce, but in this case it can overstretch and tear what you are just trying to stretch.

[SaintLouieWoman]

I had it some time ago. I did the stretching and it eventually went away on its own.

My sister had it and went to physical therapy for it. They eventually made an orthotic for her to wear in her shoes. It took some time, but it eventually slowly disappeared.

Hope it's feeling better by now. I've been doing those stretches to build up the strength in my legs. The physical therapist has me hold it for 30 seconds, 3x. I bought a piece of styrofoam from the physical therapy place. It's about 14 inches long and it's like a cut out version of a cylinder of hard foam, the type they would use in stuff for the pool, like a really large diameter noodle. It's cut flat on the bottom. I put the balls of my feet on the top of this thing, then hold the stretch. It seems to be helping. It has just enough give in the material that it doesn't hurt the bottom of the feet.

[BEG]

So I have been miserable with the heel pain. Went online and ordered a bunch of different do dads that are supposed to help. While on this one site for HTP Heel "seats" I watch a video of how to tape your foot for plantar fasciitis. Got out some stretchable tape stuff and taped my foot...OMG I could friggen walk. It's a miracle.

[docstew]

I'm late to this party, but in my experience, if the pain is in your feet and at it's worst getting out of bed, it might be plantar fasciitis. If so, a doctor can prescribe some anti-inflammatories and maybe a night splint to keep the ligaments stretched.

Plantar Fasciitis

If the pain is on/around the heel or Achilles tendon and increases during activity, especially high impact activity (running, sprinting, jumping), it could be a heel spur. The area directly over the tendon insertion will possibly be tender to palpation. If it is a heel spur, you should get it checked by a doctor and get x-rays. Treatment can range from steroids and physical therapy to surgery. I had surgery in September on a large one on my left heel that kept me off my feet for about 7 weeks, but then again, I had ignored the pain for 4 years.

Heel Spur

[BEG]

I'm late to this party, but in my experience, if the pain is in your feet and at it's worst getting out of bed, it might be plantar fasciitis. If so, a doctor can prescribe some anti-inflammatories and maybe a night splint to keep the ligaments stretched.

Plantar Fasciitis

If the pain is on/around the heel or Achilles tendon and increases during activity, especially high impact activity (running, sprinting, jumping), it could be a heel spur. The area directly over the tendon insertion will possibly be tender to palpation. If it is a heel spur, you should get it checked by a doctor and get x-rays. Treatment can range from steroids and physical therapy to surgery. I had surgery in September on a large one on my left heel that kept me off my feet for about 7 weeks, but then again, I had ignored the pain for 4 years.

Heel Spur

It's worse getting out of bed or getting up from sitting down, I'm sure it is plantar fasciitis. My do dad's haven't come in yet, I hope they do soon.

I'm already on anti-inflamatory meds. 5 mg prednisone, 15 mg Mobic (prescription anti-inflammatory) and methotrexate. Somedays I think it's getting better then the next day I can barely walk. Very frustrating.

[Toastedturningtidelegs]

If the pain is on/around the heel or Achilles tendon and increases during activity, especially high impact activity (running, sprinting, jumping), it could be a heel spur. The area directly over the tendon insertion will possibly be tender to palpation. If it is a heel spur, you should get it checked by a doctor and get x-rays. Treatment can range from steroids and physical therapy to surgery. I had surgery in September on a large one on my left heel that kept me off my feet for about 7 weeks, but then again, I had ignored the pain for 4 years.

Interesting! I have the same problem currently and i was told it is a 12 month recovery.Apparently they have to detach the achilles tendon remove the spur and then reattach. Kinda cinched me not getting that surgery...I can't take that much time off!

[docstew]

Interesting! I have the same problem currently and i was told it is a 12 month recovery.Apparently they have to detach the achilles tendon remove the spur and then reattach. Kinda cinched me not getting that surgery...I can't take that much time off!

Just got the surgery in late Sep, already cleared to run (on a treadmill) and jump out of perfectly good airplanes.

[Wineslob]

BEG, I saw in the Spa that it's still hurting. You might want to get your foot X-Rayed just to cross out spurs.

Until I got mine treated, I was crippled.

[Inga]

Beg, I've had heel pain before. If it is a a spur, I used Acid-a-cal by enzymatic therapy and soak it in apple cider vinegar daily until gone. Your calcium my not be absorbing right, causing you spurs.

I also use a foot roller with prickles on it ,to hit the pressure points. The name of my roller is called Fantastic Fingers by the manufacture.Good Luck!

[BEG]

BEG, I saw in the Spa that it's still hurting. You might want to get your foot X-Rayed just to cross out spurs.

Until I got mine treated, I was crippled.

Do heel spurs pop up out of nowhere?  I have never had any kind of foot/heel pain then one day it was there. It didn't gradually get sore.

[BEG]

Beg, I've had heel pain before. If it is a a spur, I used Acid-a-cal by enzymatic therapy and soak it in apple cider vinegar daily until gone. Your calcium my not be absorbing right, causing you spurs.

I also use a foot roller with prickles on it ,to hit the pressure points. The name of my roller is called Fantastic Fingers by the manufacture.Good Luck!

I bought one of those foot roller type things. I haven't tried it yet.

[docstew]

Do heel spurs pop up out of nowhere?  I have never had any kind of foot/heel pain then one day it was there. It didn't gradually get sore.

The type of heel spur that involves calcification of the Achilles tendon is an overuse/repetitive stress injury, but the onset of debilitating pain can be sudden.

[BEG]

The type of heel spur that involves calcification of the Achilles tendon is an overuse/repetitive stress injury, but the onset of debilitating pain can be sudden.

I was searching info on both heel spus and plantar fasciitis and found the following info:

Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis can occur alone or be related to underlying diseases that cause arthritis (inflammation of the joints), such as reactive arthritis (formerly called Reiter's disease), ankylosing spondylitis, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. It is important to note that heel spurs may cause no symptoms at all and may be incidentally discovered during x-ray exams taken for other purposes.

I have reactive arthritis and my doctor thinks I may have ankylosing spondylitis.

[Wineslob]

The type of heel spur that involves calcification of the Achilles tendon is an overuse/repetitive stress injury, but the onset of debilitating pain can be sudden.

That's what caused mine, playing basketball. But I am predisposed to getting the damn things.

I had to have cortizone shots to them to calm down. It's been 15 years since diagnosis and I'm (heel) pain free. However I also have spurs in my ankles, and sometimes I get a pretty good "hitch in my giddyup" till I work out the "hitch". Kinda feels like the tops of my ankles are being stabbed. For the most part I can walk it off.