HEEL PAIN

[KRUSTYMAN]

My wife is currently suffering from acute heel pain and can hardly walk and as this is just the latest in a long line of ailments she is extremely upset ( she also suffers from depression and is being treated for it). From what I can understand - I know it's a terrible thing to try to be a 'doctor' from studying symptoms on the internet - it appears to be 'plantar fasciitis' and as such I am quite willing to purchase some arch supports for her to try and help. Anyone got any idea if these supports work and more importantly how quickly? TIA

[ethandron]

i suffer from pain under the ball of my foot and find that shoes with a thick, squashy sole like trainers, crocs, etc. really help. i have all but given up wearing anything with a thin sole as it feels like i have a lump under my foot when i do, and it hurts. i wear crocs as slippers in the house.

[Sqad]

I would say that the diagnosis is correct.

Difficult situation.

Try arch supports and Ibuprofen 600mgms three times a day.

May take up to 3.weeks to improve.

If no improvement after that, an X-Ray will be necessary to exclude a "spurr" which may have to be excised surgically.

[KRUSTYMAN]

Thanks Sqad - couldn't have hoped for a response from a more well respected ABer on medical topics than your good self!

[Sachs]

Hi krusty,
I had this a while back, thankfully it's never returned since! I found this kind of heel support worked , as doc said though, may take a few week! Your wife needs her heel cushioned in her shoe! By the way, I purchased my heel supports from the local pound shop!! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk...s?hash=item27aeeab074

[KRUSTYMAN]

Thanks Sachs but the link you sent was for 'lifts' rather than arch supports. I'm glad the cushioning of these products also helped with your pain but I'm sure my wife needs the aforementioned supports.

[Sachs]

Try both Krusty x

[Eve]

I get a lot of pain if I don't wear properly cushioned shoes and have had to give up on those thin little ballet shoes etc... and buy decent ones from Clarkes or M&S, even slippers, it has made a big difference.

Crocs were pretty good as well but found they didn't support my ankles very well (have arthritis).

[Sachs]

Footwear 'is' very important isn't it Jenna!
I can't wear anything heavy in weight!

[joannie10]

i used to suffer from this and was sent for physio therapy. It did help a bit but in the end they decided to give me a steriod injection. Not the most pleasant thing but I have to say things have been fine ever since and that is around 3 years now. Sometimes I feel it coming on a bit but know to doing some of the exercises I was given and that helps. I run alot so it was considered this was adding to it so is good news the fact it has never fully returned. Someone did suggest insoles/arches but in the end this was not required.

[queen 1954]

i do sympathise its very painful. i went to see a chiropodist who gave me exercises and some insoles to support the arch but it took a good 6 months to go completely although i was on my feet all day at work which didnt help.i would certainly give them a try and tell her to rest as much as possible too,hope she feels better soon.