Calcaneal Spur

[annavc]

I've been told by my GP that I have a calcaneal spur or a heel spur. It's been painful for quite a few months but has got significantly worse in the last couple of weeks (it's making me limp now). My GP has basically told me that there is nothing they can do about it - he's given me a short course of anti-inflammatorys but said i'll just have to live with it.

I can't believe there is nothing that I can do to at least ease the pain - has anyone had this and if so do you know of anyway I can relieve the pain at the very least or at best make it at least slightly better. Thank you.

[Ed Strong]

annavc,

I haven't suffered from this but try http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/heelpain.htm for info. Or Google the subject matter for lots more sites. Ed

[joannie10]

yes I suffer from this and fortunatly after being sent for xrays by my doc to make sure it wasnt anything else i was referred for physio therapy. Eventually I was also given a hydrocortisone (sp?) injection which eased the pain greatly. The problem is definately not cured, I still hobble out of bed in the morning as both heels are painful but I know what stretches to do to ease it and make more bareable -particularly after exercise. The advice i was given has been very good that feel your doctor must be able to help you. There is some good advice to be found on the internet too. You are really looking to stretch the muscle around the heel and the arch of the foot. You can roll your foot over a ball ie golf ball while sitting watching tele, standing at the edge of a step backwards and lowering your heel downwards and also moving your up and down quickly - at ankle level (difficult to explain!!). It is something to do with the muscle/tendon shrinking that think of anything you can do that will losen it. good luck.

[aka estie]

Have you been to a podiatrist yet? I had this last year, and he gave me orthotic insoles for my shoes The pain completely disappeared after a few weeks. I highly recommend seeing a specialist. I am actually surprised that your GP hasn't sent you to one yet :(

[joannie10]

podiatrist could not help me unfortunately but yes again proves your doctor should be doing more for you. Seek a second opinion.

[annavc]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I thought there should be other options than just living with it. I will go to a podiatrist and if necessary go back to my GP and demand that he refers me to someone else.

Many thanks.

[Jattebra]

I have just been diagonesd with a Calcaneal Spur and am awaiting physotherapy as directed from my doctor - I don't know if this will work but am am going to give it a try