I have pain on the inside of my heel, that is, not along the back rim, up into the calf (achilles), but rather on the flat, inside curve of the heel on one foot. This pain is severe when I get up in the morning. As I walk gently, the pain subsides somewhat, but after more inactivity (like sitting at work), the pain is there when I stand.

Any ideas? I have searched this site and don't see this type of pain described. I will purchase an orthodic, if I could be reassured that it would help.

thanks

Dear Leah,
It sounds like plantar fasciitis, a form of heel pain. Try stretching in the morning. While in bed, grab a towel and apply it to the ball of your foot. Pull the foot towards you. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds and repeat 30 times. Perform the same exercise to the other foot.
It is also important to apply ice to the heels, rest, decrease activity, wear proper shoe gear. Orthotics are definately an option.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com,
SBarlizo, DPM
foot.com expert

i have this condition and my foot doctor made me get arch supports for my shoes plus told me to apply ice 2x a day. he has me roll a frozen water bottle under my foot so i'm getting the massage and the ice at the same time.
told me to stretch by standing on a step with my heels out and reaching up with my feet to stretch the tendon.

i'm also on anti-inflammatory meds.
now i'm getting the cortisone shot because i waited too long to seek medical attention. so start these things now to avoid a shot. ok?

Dear Lisa,
It sounds like you have been instructed the proper things to do prior to a heel injection. Unfortunately, if conservative mearures fail, an injection to the heel(usually a mixture of a local anesthetic and cortisone) is necessary. However, you should still continue stretching, icing and taking the prescribed medication for pain and inflammation.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com,
SBarlizo, DPM
foot.com expert

Sounds like there is no real solution for this problem, I have the same thing for few months, thought it will go away but it is now everyday, everymorning it is extremely painfull and then if I rest for a while it starts up unbelievably quick. are those injunctions for rest of your life?? or does this go away eventually? I used to play basketball a lot, might have caused by all the jumping around...

Dear Alexander01,
I usually recommend no more than three, maximum of four injections in one year.
85% -90% of patients usually improve with conservative treatment. The other 10-15% of patients may go on to surgery.

Thank-you for contacting foot.com,
SBarlizo, DPM,
foot.com expert

after getting an injection of cortisone how long should you wait to begin the stretching routine?

Istarted out with some back pain and leg pain. Had an mri and some disc's are involved but nothing to important.the 4,5. Now the pain is in my foot and heel and it is not funny. The pain is sooooo uncomfortable. I go for therapy for my back and is just ok. I also feel a warm sensation in the calf of my leg. I had a doppler test for circulation and everything is good. Now I was to told see a neurologist for a nerve test. Is this crazy or what? My stress level is getting to me. and I am not sure what to do. Oh, i just found out that I am a little flat footed, now isn't that special.

If you have any ideas please email me.