For about 3 months now I have suffered with what I quess is a heel spur, although not much showed up in the rays. I have a pretty high pain threshold. For example, when I busted up some ribs in a car wreck a few months back the doctor told me when I left the hospital 5 days later, "Dave you are one tough bastard." But I certainly don't feel tough now. It hurts from morning to night and during the night. Its every day non-stop. It's wearing me down. It's like having a terrible bruise and having to stand and walk on it all the time. I been to 3 doctors about it, all with same advice: do foot tendon stretching exercises and ice it. But its not working. As much as I hate to do it, I'm going to ask for shots to relieve the pain. To me that just masks the problem but I'm running out of toughness. I'm told its not an uncommon problem, so I thought I'd ask for suggestions or advice.

 

I have the same problem with my hammer toes. My podiatrist said he could go in and shave the bones down (as an outpatient) and I'd be back on my feet in no time. Haven't done it yet but definitely considering it if the pain gets any worse. Have you considered surgery to get rid of the spur once and for all?

 

Birkenstocks... The heel sits lower than the sole.
might be a little relief there

fltsfshr

 

I can only relate to you my experience

Several years ago, while still in the military, I developed what were referred to as

 

My understanding is also that it is not uncommon.
I too suffer with heel spurs. It's not constant, but mainly in the evening ouch.
I do find "calf stretches" help me a bit.

 

I have a shoulder spur that has shown up very clearly on xrays, so I know what they look like. I've been told I am a candiate for a shoulder replacement. That is something I am in no hurry to do. However, when it comes to my heel, nothing that clear showed up in the xrays. My family doctor said he has seen huge heel spurs that cause no pain and on the flip side very small ones that cause a great deal of pain. On mine is was a very, very small bump. I really don't know for sure that a spur is the problem. It may be some type of inflammation instead IMO. Although I've talked to three doctors I have not been to a podiatrist yet, which I plan to do ASAP.

Ranger, I have the same issues you described. It hurts like mad when I take my first steps in the morning, then gets better, then gradually gets worse as the day goes on - to the point I don't want to stand or walk at all. I tried the gel heel cups but that didn't work out. A couple years ago I had ankle surgery on the other foot from a sports accident; it was 95% successful but they were not able to get out all the bone chips. Consequently, I can't elevate that heel which I would need to do to balance out wearing the cups.

Boy, I sound like a mess don't I? I certainly agree that foot pain is quite debilitating.

 

dlq,
it does sound like it hurts. Such problems are pretty common in our age group. What worked for me was 'comfort' shoes. Settled on some black SAS tie shoes for about 150.00us. Can no longer wear any 'dress' shoes, period. Try a top quality hoofer in your area, it is a good starting point and just might help. best of luck, W.

 

[QUOTE=Ranger,Dec 23 2004, 02:37 PM] .......Instead he opted for shoe inserts. Now, this was a long time ago

 

Frankly with the pain I am in I have no problem throwing whatever amount of $$$$$$$ it takes to find a solution.

I appreciate everyones input. The general consensus is to see a Podiatrist and that will definitely be my next course of action.

 

Good luck, Dave. In the interim, you might want to try some Dr. Scholl's-type inserts for relief. CUT OUT a small donut in the pressure point right under the spur. You should be able to locate it by exerting finger pressure on the bottom of your foot.