Heel Spurs? Any Relief?

lil_miss_frogg · May 5, 2009

Okay, so about a month and a half ago, my left foot was killing me to the point I couldn't walk. I described my pain to my cousin, who is a chiropracter (sp?), and she said it sounded like a heel spur. So, I have tried the heel inserts for my shoes and none seem to help. I have VERY comfy Nike flip flops and it seems they are the only thing that helps my foot. As long as I wear them ALL the time, even when I get up in the middle of the night to go pee. It is rather irritating. I heard it can take years or surgery to heal these stupid things....well, I would like to walk barefoot down the isle. I don't want to be confined to my black Nike flip flops on my wedding day.

So, I was wondering if any of you have had one of these that you can help guide me to something that actually works.

itsfinallyhere · May 5, 2009

I had them too. What was suggested to me was buy a pair of VERY good runners/sneakers the are very comfortable and give good support. Maybe a walking type or cross training. Anyway you need to wear these all the time, or as much as possible. I think the filp flops are comfy because they have molded to your feet but are not helping because they provide no support. As far as walking on the beach I think you will be ok because of the surface and textures that is a beach (it gives, not like grass or concrete). Good Luck I hope this helps.

zorlack76 · May 5, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsfinallyhere

I had them too. What was suggested to me was buy a pair of VERY good runners/sneakers the are very comfortable and give good support. Maybe a walking type or cross training. Anyway you need to wear these all the time, or as much as possible. I think the filp flops are comfy because they have molded to your feet but are not helping because they provide no support. As far as walking on the beach I think you will be ok because of the surface and textures that is a beach (it gives, not like grass or concrete). Good Luck I hope this helps.

This is absolutely correct. There is no support and with foot related pains, the pain generally stems from lack of arch support. I dont know if you are looking for a quick and cheap fix, or a more sustained approach that will cost a bit more. You could talk to a podiatrist. They can take a cast molding of your foot and custom make you some arch support. The down side is that you cant really wear them with flip flops. They are more for tennis shoes, boots, work shoes, etc. A cheaper way would just to buy those Dr. Scholls inserts, but they dont really do a whole heck of a lot for me. Maybe you could start "gelling"

Also, stretching helps a bit. It may sound odd, by try doing calf stretches. Dont over extend when you stretch though otherwise you will be in a lot more pain. Hope this helps!

egsarah · May 8, 2009

Oh girl that sucks!! One of my co-workers got them and she had a brace made for her to support her foot while she slept. She also had arches made that she would wear in her shoes during the day. She said after about 6 months she felt MUCH better...she was even able to start running and what not again...

Good luck!

eloping789 · May 8, 2009

My dad had these - twice! Once on each foot. He tried all sorts of shoes and had the same dilemma in that he couldn't wear orthopedic style sandals (about 10 years ago) all the time. He ended up having the surgery both times. It was the only way he could get rid of them rather than just managing the pain. I hope you can find another way to deal with them though! Good luck!