Acute foot pain.

[Jeanjean16]

I have just returned from a four week holiday in Spain. I was far more active than usual. I thought I had coped well with it. However, yesterday I suddenly developed acute pain under the heel of my left foot, so severe I can barely stand, and have to use a stick to walk. Could this be PMR related? I have been taking steroids for almost three years and am at the moment down to 5mg.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Could be, not something I’ve come across personally, may just be due to overuse on holiday, - but there are lots of posts about feet.

Have a look at ‘related posts’ on right of screen or type in ‘foot pain’ or similar in ‘search’ box - top right.

[piglette]

Hi Jean, it sounds like plantar fasciitis, although it could be bursitis or an Achilles tendon problem.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Jean, as piglette has said it sounds like/could be plantar fasciitis (‘policeman’s heel’). My hubby has been struggling with this for some time. He has found special insoles helpful and he also does various exercises from time to time, including calf stretches and rolling his foot on something like a glass jar. Perhaps you could try such exercises and/or the insoles. It isn’t a speedy recovery though so, with any luck, you may have simply overdone the holiday activity and some rest will be enough. Good luck!

[piglette]

Also if it is plantar fasciitis it is suggested that you should wear slight heels and not flat shoes and also try heel pads, do not walk around in bare feet. Icing the area can also help. My chiropodist has lots of photos of plantar fasciitis over her walls. I don’t know if she has a lot of people with the problem or not.

[Christophene47]

Foot pain and all, good for you that you successfully managed a 4 week holiday in Spain. You probably overdid, but I am sure it was worth it. I receive many catalogs selling special soles, and shoes for plantar fasciitis; you may want to consult a podiatrist first to see if that is the problem and/ or you may need to rest up for awhile.

[SheffieldJane]

It could be Plantars Fascitis. I think I may have it too. I am only aware of it at night when my heel rests on anything. Oddly moisturising my feet seems to help a bit.

[HeronNS in reply to SheffieldJane]

I thought plantar fasciitis was extremely painful when walking. Better look after your feet in case that is what's hatching.

[SheffieldJane in reply to HeronNS]

I see a Chiropodist today. Having a bit of an overhaul. 🙂

[Neverending63]

I have had plantar fasciitis a couple of times and it is extremely painful. Generally worse first thing in the morning when you get up. I have some compression type toeless sock things that help. Some doctors may offer steroid injections, just didn’t fancy that myself as it still wasn’t guaranteed to help. Also using a tennis ball and rolling your foot over it helps a little but other than painkillers you just have to wait for it to go. Which unfortunately can take up to a year. I seem to swap between that and trochanter bursitis for the last few years. Hope it gets better soon.

[stellafmdm]

Try a heel insert ( or even an insole,) and cut a hole in it where the painful part rests.

[mngirl]

My podiatrist told me to wear shoes with good arch support. Don’t even walk to the bathroom at night without shoes. I wear Halflingers. Easy to slip on even when I am half asleep.