Question about Heel Spurs

[Voltaire]

I was plagued with problems in my right foot when I was a kid playing soccer, it never was diagnosed (35 years ago). I've mostly kept the cardio up through biking, when I did Shotokan 10 years ago for the 5 years I did it running never bothered me. Recently I began running on the treadmill with a decent pair of Asic's (sic) running shoes which were properly fitted. Unfortunately even though I was only running 3 times a week and gradually upping the tempo I still developed pain in the heel. Saw the doctor, he said I had a heel spur and needed orthopedic inserts. Question, was anyone that have had heel spurs ever been able to run again with these inserts? Is there something else that could be done? I really like running, it's easier for me to zone out on the treadmill than on the stationary bike and it would suck not to be able to run. Any help or advice would be most appreciated.

[hcm2009]

Originally Posted by Voltaire

I was plagued with problems in my right foot when I was a kid playing soccer, it never was diagnosed (35 years ago). I've mostly kept the cardio up through biking, when I did Shotokan 10 years ago for the 5 years I did it running never bothered me. Recently I began running on the treadmill with a decent pair of Asic's (sic) running shoes which were properly fitted. Unfortunately even though I was only running 3 times a week and gradually upping the tempo I still developed pain in the heel. Saw the doctor, he said I had a heel spur and needed orthopedic inserts. Question, was anyone that have had heel spurs ever been able to run again with these inserts? Is there something else that could be done? I really like running, it's easier for me to zone out on the treadmill than on the stationary bike and it would suck not to be able to run. Any help or advice would be most appreciated.

Can you give some more samples? How great your info is! It really useful for me. Thanks.

[Ian Coe]

I developed heel spurs/plantar fasciitis.


A lot of stretching, some £30 orthotics and cissus 'seems' to have helped get rid of most of the issue.

Not 100% gone mind you, but I can run again.

The problem showed up initially in July

[superking]

Heel spurs are a result of tight plantar fascia. Tight plantar fascia results from tight calves. Tight calves result from tight quads and hamstrings. The only true solution is to foam roll. Also, put a tennis ball under the arch of the foot that has the problems and stand all your weight on it. It will hurt, but it will help loosen the plantar fascia and relieve the heel spurs.

[Voltaire]

Thanks for the information.

[Suezee]

Alot of people get back to running even though they have heel spurs. Heel spurs occur when there is excessive traction placed through the plantar fascia of the arch where it attaches to the bone of the heel. (the calcaneous). A physical therapist can figure out why this is happening to you, and orthotics may or may not be part of the solution. There is a new technique being performed by specially trained therapists called ASTYM, and it has a proven 90% success rate. This technique helps to break up any scar tissue in the plantar fascia, which can be part of the problem too. It doesn't even matter if your heel spurs are 20 years old. Check it out online to see if there is a provider near you...I have been doing this technique for over 3 years and have been getting great results. Good Luck!

[JerkWeed]

Originally Posted by superking

Heel spurs are a result of tight plantar fascia. Tight plantar fascia results from tight calves. Tight calves result from tight quads and hamstrings.

This. The back is attached to that fascia band (posterior) as well.

One good stretch for the posterior band is to elevate the toes on a board or weight plate and then bend over as in a toe touch. Instead of concentrating on the depth of the hands, which generally leads to rounding the spine, let the arms hang and concentrate on bending at the hips with a fairly neutral spine.

[fat_wilhelm]

I'm going through this right now and it's starting to piss me off. I bought a Strassburg Sock last night in my latest effort to do something about it. So far, ART hasn't helped.

It all started with heavy yoke carries, but pain would subside after a few days. The last incident came after a day of basketball and has been around for a few months now. Pain doesn't seem to lessen as it loosens, which leads me to believe that the fasciitis has progressed to a heel spur.

[Scarymonster]

I got PF in July of 07 training for a 1/2 marathon. Upped my mileage too fast, shoes were too worn, carrying to much body weight. Suffered for months. Had a strassburg sock, corty injections, no help. it was abitch for months and months. for over a year I had pain/discomfort in my arches, mainly my left.

The 'cure' was a combination of:

• losing about 20-25 pounds (6'2", was 210, now about 175)
• Stretching my legs
• Stopping running
• Taking MSM, and Glucosamine
• Use of a foot log, which is like foam rolling... but it's a sturdier rubber knobby jawn. I find it is better than foam for the feet. Find that on the google tubes. It's like $20. Totally totally worth it. I have nothing to gain from that thing.

I only run about 3x per year now, doing other conditioning stuff for cardio like circuit training, tabatas, bike, etc. But I just ran a 5 miler on Sunday and have experienced NO PAIN in my feet afterwards. New shoes probably help that too.

Good luck. PF sucks. I felt crippled for months. I'll do anything to avoid that, even if it means being too thin.

[fat_wilhelm]

Originally Posted by Scarymonster

The 'cure' was a combination of:

• Use of a foot log, which is like foam rolling... but it's a sturdier rubber knobby jawn. I find it is better than foam for the feet. Find that on the google tubes. It's like $20. Totally totally worth it. I have nothing to gain from that thing.

Cool -- thanks. I found a store on my way home that sell them, so I'm going to pick one up tonight.