foot pain...?

Question

I wonder if my doctor can be wrong about my foot pain and it's cause. He stated tendonitis in my achilles tendon and told me to take Aleve and use a heel cup.

I already wear custom sized orthotics which have worked for two years.

The pain starts in the back of my heel where my achilles tendon attaches, there is also a bump there. Activity makes it worse, even as little as 3 miles, and rest makes it dissipate, but never fully.

When the pain is bad, it also radiates up the side of my foot, all the way up to the ankle.

I have followed Dr. advice and no improvement. I miss running - a LOT, and I am frustrated. My shoes are new, and I have the right shoes, fitted by a specialist. And I have $200 custom sized orthotics.

I am quite heavy and that has always exacerbated my repetitive stress injuries, but in 3 years, 3 half marathons, and 1 full, never a problem this stubborn.

Does anyone have any advice?

Answer 1

It took me about 5 years to get my problem into a manageable category. But we've both let the problem go on too long, so it's a matter of doing the things that alleviate pain and make exercise possible.

ICE you heels every day after activity for about 20 minutes. This ain't fun, but it will help.

Get some heel lifts and use them. Maybe you should get back to the podiatrist or sports medicine physician for anothher evaluation. You may need something stronger than alleve.

Good Luck

Answer 2

I know i'm really in no place to answer this question as YOU know alot more than i do about running. But i would say, most definetly your doc can be wrong. I would suggest a second opinion or third even! My neighbor out here had a similar problem and she said she went to like 5 different docs/specialists and they all said something DIFFERENT. One even wanted to do surgery on her. Anyway, she ended up finding one who told her to get some birkenstocks to walk around in when she's not out running etc. She wears them out in town and at home. She said they have helped her significantly! I'm sorry to hear this is interfering w/your running...i know how much you love it. Another suggestion, maybe start out slow again. Don't push it. You already know what you've accomplished and maybe u need to just slow it down? I would definetly see some different docs though!
good luck!

Answer 3

I suggest visiting a foot and ankle specialist. There are such clinics in most large cities, especially those prone to hosting marathons (Boston/Chicago)

They may have different advice or different treatment methodologies.