Bruised Heel (doh!)

[kingkirby]

Ok, so I have been more or less off my feet since Father's Day outside of everyday activities like walking, mowing the lawn etc...I'm recovering from a sprained ankle that I'm supposed to kid glove until the middle of September. I've been doing rehab exercises (thanks Adonis, better than my PT!) and things are mostly going well. The only problem is that I also bruised the hell outta' my heel when I sprained my ankle and it's continuing to be a major bother. I've been shooting some hoops to move around a little, but haven't really "overdone it" in any way (in my mind) to overly agrivate my heel. Even like if I go to Lowe's or grocery shopping or something my heel is usually killing me by the end of it. I'm wearing good shoes for the most part, I had an x-ray and all I have heard from my doctor is "it takes time to heal." No pun intended!

So, I guess I have two questions 1) Has anybody got a bruised heel and if so has it turned into a chronic nagging thing? And, 2) Does anyone know any way to make sure it isn't a chronic thing?

Thanks.

[liza larence]

I inject those pretty frequently (depomedrol) and it helps...if it has been plaguing you since June, your orthopaedist should consider it...in the meantime, try some gel heel cups, called "Viscoheels"...

[Vizigoth]

You have bruised the lower forward face of the Calcaneus (primary lower heel bone). Such a bruise can be so sensitive, that merely running a fingertip over it can be excruciating. Once folks hit their twenties and thirties, it is normal for the muscles and tendons on the bottom of the foot to begin to stretch out, causing a lowered or collapsed arch. As this process occurs, that face of the heel bone that was not previously in contact with the ground experiences bruising conditions that lead to Plantar Faciitis. It can start over a long period of time or from a single jarring impact. Serious cases of it result in calcium deposits on that facia and eventually lead to bone spurs. Each condition is more painful than the last.

An extremely simple treatment for the symptoms is to PROPERLY tape your foot. Taping your foot will draw the heel a fraction of an inch forward so that the tip of the heel that is designed to handle your weight and the constant pounding of walking/running will be brought back into contact with the ground. A foot doctor (Podiatrist) can show you how to properly tape the foot. With practice, you can tape both feet in just a few minutes. My older brother experienced this problem a couple of weeks ago, and I offered to tape his troublesome foot. Having experienced this problem occasionally for many years, and having shown it to a few dozen people, I am skilled at this tape job. In five minutes, the tape was on his foot, but the look on his face was dubious at best. I told him to roll his sock onto his foot so as to not disturb the tape job, then put on his shoe. The look of disbelieving relief on his face was a joy to behold. He was stunned that a yard or so of adhesive tape could have given him immediate relief. He was able to resume his daily running regimen a few days later.

If you find that properly taping your foot offers relief from that pain and inflammation, consider getting some orthotics (arch supports). I have worn them since the '70s, and can barely walk without them. I have a history of fifteen foot and ankle operations. Most of the larger HMOs now offer coverage for orthotics. Be sure to follow your HMO's guidelines before consulting with a specialist, such as a Podiatrist. A referral from a GP will likely be necessary first.